US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the meeting between the US and Hamas regarding the release of hostages was a “one-time occasion” and did not yield any results. Providing information about the meeting Adam Boehler, the special representative responsible for hostage affairs, held with Hamas while en route to Saudi Arabia, Rubio emphasized that the purpose of the meeting with Hamas was to ensure the release of the hostages. Rubio explained, “This was a one-time opportunity for our special representative, whose goal was to facilitate the release of the hostages, to speak directly with someone who had control over the hostages, and he was given permission and encouraged to do so. And he did just that.” Rubio mentioned that the meeting Boehler had with Hamas had not yet yielded results, saying, “This does not mean that the attempt was wrong.”

Referring to the US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, Rubio stated, “Our primary means of negotiation on this front is Mr. Witkoff and the work he is doing through Qatar as a mediator.” Reminding that Witkoff had gone to Qatar, Rubio expressed hope that these negotiations would bear fruit and all hostages would be released.

Rubio also responded to a question regarding Israel cutting off electricity supply to Gaza. saying, “I feel that Hamas is not serious about negotiations. They are still holding hostages and bodies in horrendous conditions. They insist on extremely disproportionate exchanges.” Rubio accused Hamas of forcing Israel to make decisions by doing things that are in their own interests.