Rubio says hostage deal 'closer than ever' but wars of major obstacles ahead

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that negotiations to free the hostages held by Hamas are “the closest we’ve come” to securing their release, though he cautioned that multiple hurdles remain before an agreement can be finalized.

'Field conditions' remain a challenge​

Rubio acknowledged that “field conditions” remain a challenge. He said no exchange can occur amid active fighting. “You can’t have an exchange of hostages if bombs are going off,” he said, adding that Israel has suspended offensive operations except in cases of imminent threat.

On longer-term issues, Rubio said lasting peace depends on disarming Hamas. “As long as there’s a threat emanating from Gaza against Israel’s security, there isn’t going to be peace,” he said, calling for Gaza to be run by “Palestinian technocrats and civil servants that do not pose a threat to Israel.”

Marco Rubio: Hostage talks close to success, but hurdles remain | The Jerusalem Post

In an interview on ABC’s This Week, Rubio said the talks are structured in two stages.

www.jpost.com

 

[1LoverofGod]

I think what Washington doesnt understand is that it isnt a "Palestinian" issue that has to be resolved to being about peace.
Its an Islamic issue that is imbedded throughout the middle east and abroad that has to be dealt with.
The problem isnt about Gaza, and Washington will find that any so called peace agreement will not last until Islam is dealt with which ultimately will be by dealt with by The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob