War in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, releases hostages, says Marco Rubio

US ready to provide more aid to Gaza

“We’ve provided a lot of aid,” Rubio told reporters. “We’re prepared to provide aid now, and we’re prepared to provide a lot of aid after the war ends as well.”

Last month, the United Nations confirmed a famine in Gaza and warned that by the end of September, more than 640,000 people will face Catastrophic levels of food insecurity – classified as IPC Phase 5 – across the region.

Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings along the Sea Road, in Gaza City, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Just days later, all United Nations Security Council members, except the United States, said in a joint statement that the famine in Gaza is a “man-made crisis”.

The US questioned the famine report’s credibility, while Israel dismissed the findings as “deeply flawed”.

“We all recognise that hunger is a real issue in Gaza and that there are significant humanitarian needs which must be met,” acting US ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea had said.

More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in the nearly two-year war in the Gaza Strip, local health officials said Thursday.

Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal

Efforts to end the war have been stuck in limbo as Israel refuses to accept the ceasefire deal brokered by Arab nations. Hamas had last month accepted the deal, which called for a ceasefire and partial release of hostages still held in Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, is insisting on the release of all the hostages and the disarmament of Hamas to end the conflict.

Destroyed buildings inside the Gaza Strip are seen from southern Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israel eyes annexation of West Bank

Israel is also preparing to annex parts of the West Bank amid international pressure and the growing recognition of the Palestinian State.

Rubio on Thursday dismissed reports about any Israeli annexation of the West Bank, saying, “That’s not a final thing. That’s something that’s been discussed among some elements of Israeli politics.”

The United Arab Emirates warned this week that it would be a red line.