Jerusalem: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss the implementation of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu described his meeting with Rubio as part of a 'circle of trust and partnership' with Washington.

According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu emphasized the ongoing security challenges, expressing confidence that collaborative efforts with the US could address these challenges while also seizing opportunities. Rubio reiterated the US administration's commitment to transforming recent progress into more significant achievements, noting the positive and confident outlook of the ongoing efforts. He highlighted that his visit, along with those of Vice President JD Vance and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, demonstrates that resolving the Gaza conflict is a top priority for President Donald Trump.

Rubio's visit followed a three-day visit by Vice President Vance, who also engaged in discussions with Netanyahu and other senior officials. The US State Department announced that Rubio's role would be pivotal in supporting the successful implementation of President Trump's comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza.

The first phase of President Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire deal was reached on October 10. This phase includes the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, along with plans for rebuilding Gaza and establishing a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 68,200 deaths and more than 170,300 injuries, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.