Rubio: Hamas “cannot continue as a military or government force”
The leaders’ remarks came just two weeks before the first phase of the ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 61,700 Palestinians [according to terrorists Hamas-run local ministry] is set to end
The second phase – in which Hamas is to release dozens of remaining captives in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces – has yet to be negotiated
Rubio said,
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Hamas “cannot continue as a military or government force”
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“As long as it stands as a force that can, govern or as a force that can administer or as a force that can threaten by use of violence,
peace becomes impossible” “It must be eradicated”
Such language could complicate efforts to continue talks with Hamas which despite suffering heavy losses in the war, remains intact and in control of Gaza
