Families of Israeli hostages meet U.S. Secretary of State in Washington to press for a deal
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
Families of Israeli captives and prisoners released from the Gaza Strip in previous exchange batches under a deal struck with Hamas met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday.
The families said they handed Rubio a letter requesting that he meet the captives’ families during his upcoming visit to Israel, which is scheduled for Saturday.
They said only a political agreement that guarantees the return of the 48 captives held in Gaza would be acceptable, according to a statement.
According to their statement, Rubio reiterated his commitment to bringing home all Israeli captives, telling the families that the U.S. administration is working with all its might to secure their release.
He also stressed that the captives issue lies at the heart of U.S. efforts in the Middle East and is an integral part of any solution on the table. He promised to carry the families’ voices with him to Israel.
Rubio pointed to meetings between Washington and Qatari officials to discuss this week’s Israeli strikes on Doha and their implications for reaching a deal.
Rubio travels to Israel on Saturday, days after the attack on the Qatari capital Doha — an assassination attempt on Hamas leaders — and ahead of the United Nations General Assembly session on September 22 concerning recognition of a Palestinian state.
The deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Rubio “will reaffirm in Israel the shared goals between it and the United States: ensuring Hamas never returns to rule Gaza and the return of the hostages.”
Rubio’s visit comes ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, where many countries — including France and Britain — are expected to recognise a Palestinian state.
Rubio hinted that this move could push Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department spokesman said Rubio will also discuss with Israeli officials “our commitment to combat hostile actions against Israel, including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which would be a reward to Hamas for ‘terrorism’ and the legal campaign in the two courts, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.”
He added, “The secretary will also meet with the families of the hostages, and will affirm that the return of their relatives remains a top priority.”
