U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized December 19, 2025, that lasting peace in the Middle East is contingent upon the disarmament of Hamas, warning that ongoing threats would undermine stability and deter billions in investment aimed at Gaza’s reconstruction.

“Everyone wants peace,” Rubio said during a press briefing. “If Hamas is ever in a position in the future that they can threaten or attack Israel, you're not gonna have peace. You're not gonna convince anyone to invest money in Gaza if they believe another war is going to happen in 2-3 years.”

Rubio’s remarks reflect the administration’s broader strategy of “peace through strength,” drawing historical parallels to World War II, where unconditional surrender of ideologies like Nazism was deemed necessary to secure long-term security. The secretary suggested that similar decisive action is required to neutralize Hamas as a persistent threat to Israel and regional stability.

Technical teams from the United States are actively negotiating disarmament plans in collaboration with Israel and Arab partners. Rubio stressed that the objective is not only to prevent future attacks on Israeli civilians but also to create a secure environment where investment and reconstruction efforts in Gaza can succeed without fear of renewed conflict.

By linking security to economic development, Rubio underscored that peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of enforceable conditions that prevent hostile actors from destabilizing the region. His statements signal continued U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense and the administration’s commitment to strategic partnerships that promote regional security and sustainable peace.