“Encouraging signs” that Hamas may move toward demilitarization were noted on Monday by Marco Rubio, who stressed that the success of Donald Trump’s plan for the Gaza Strip depends on this development.

Speaking on Fox News, the U.S. Secretary of State said that countries such as Egypt and Turkey are participating in the consultations, noting that progress was made over the weekend. “The entire effort can only work if Hamas demilitarizes. Until that happens, everything remains uncertain,” he emphasized.

When asked whether Washington would support a resumption of military operations by Israel if Hamas refuses to lay down its arms, he avoided giving a clear answer, expressing hope that such a scenario can be avoided. “The goal is for a Palestinian security force, with international support, to take over security in Gaza,” he said.

From Hamas’s side, spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Anadolu Agency that insisting on the group’s disarmament, bypassing the commitments of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, contradicts Trump’s plan and “complicates negotiations for the second phase.”

His remarks came after a meeting in Cairo attended by Hamas’s Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, Egyptian officials, special envoy Nikolay Mladenov, and senior U.S. adviser Aryeh Lightstone.

The first phase of Trump’s plan, announced last September, includes a ceasefire, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, release of hostages, and the entry of humanitarian aid. Hamas claims it has upheld its commitments, while accusing Israel of failing to meet its humanitarian obligations and continuing attacks.

The second phase includes a broader withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction of the area, and the start of a disarmament process for armed groups.

Qassem described Israeli threats to resume fighting as a “pressure tool,” stressing that the war has effectively not stopped, as attacks continue, areas of Gaza remain occupied, and restrictions on humanitarian aid persist.

At the same time, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revived a proposal for the full reoccupation of Gaza and the creation of Israeli settlements, according to Channel 14.