The Gaza ceasefire threat is placing intense pressure on the U.S., Israel, and regional partners as they work to maintain fragile stability. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the mediators are closely sharing intelligence to stop violence before it erupts.
Intelligence Sharing Blocks Possible Attack
Rubio confirmed that coordinated information helped identify a potential threat, preventing an attack against civilians in Gaza. The U.S. State Department warned last weekend that Hamas might violate the ceasefire. Because officials acted urgently, the feared assault did not take place.
He explained this joint effort while traveling from Israel to Qatar, where President Donald Trump joined him during his Asia tour. Rubio emphasized that the main goal is to detect aggression early. Therefore, the shared intelligence network remains active and alert.
International Stabilization Force Plans Progress
Beyond the Gaza ceasefire threat, Rubio revealed that multiple countries want to join a stabilization force that may deploy to Gaza. They seek clear rules of engagement before committing troops. The U.S. could also push for a United Nations resolution to give the mission legitimacy and broader participation.
He stated that Washington has ongoing discussions with Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey while also seeing interest from Indonesia and Azerbaijan. Since the conflict impacts the entire region, wider cooperation is critical.
Additionally, more American officials plan to visit Israel. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will arrive soon. Earlier in the week, Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner were in Israel to reinforce the ceasefire efforts. Rubio met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and toured a U.S.-led coordination center overseeing compliance.
Colombia Sanctions Add Diplomatic Tension
Rubio also commented on the Trump administration’s decision to sanction Colombian President Gustavo Petro and members of his family. He argued the action targets individuals, not the nation. Although Trump threatened tariffs, the administration chose financial penalties instead. Rubio insisted the U.S. maintains strong relations with Colombia’s people.
Petro fired back sharply. He wrote that the sanctions violate legal norms and claimed Washington is attempting to trap him politically after years battling organized crime. As tensions increase, diplomatic friction now stretches across multiple South American governments.
U.S. Focus on Venezuela’s Role
When asked whether regional leaders could pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to resign, Rubio remained firm. He insisted the U.S. is not seeking regime change through military force. Instead, he said the operations near Venezuela are aimed at halting drug-smuggling routes that threaten the entire hemisphere.
Trump’s administration recently conducted strikes on suspected drug-running vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The Pentagon also deployed an aircraft carrier closer to South America, intensifying concern in Caracas. Maduro accused the U.S. of inventing a false narrative to justify war. He rejected claims linking his government to cocaine shipments.
Taiwan Policy Remains Firm
Rubio then addressed Asia-Pacific strategy. He emphasized that Taiwan will not be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with China. The United States remains legally committed to supporting Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. As Trump prepares to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea, Washington wants dialogue, but not at the expense of Taiwanese sovereignty.
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