Jerusalem, Oct 23 (AP) – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to visit Israel following US Vice President JD Vance’s recent trip, aimed at maintaining momentum on the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

During his visit, Vance revealed the establishment of a civilian military coordination center in southern Israel, where approximately 200 US troops collaborate with the Israeli military and international delegations to plan the stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza. Rubio intends to visit this center and appoint a Foreign Service official to work alongside Vice Adm Brad Cooper, the top US military commander in the Middle East.

The US is actively seeking support from allies, particularly Gulf nations, to form an international stabilization force for Gaza and to train a Palestinian security force. Rubio emphasized the need for a Palestinian police force in Gaza that is independent of Hamas, stating, “We’d like to see Palestinian police forces in Gaza that are not Hamas and that are going to do a good job, but those still have to be trained and equipped.”

Rubio also criticized far-right Israeli politicians for their preliminary approval of a bill that would grant Israel the authority to annex the occupied West Bank, a move opposed by the US. He reiterated President Donald Trump’s stance, stating, “That’s not something we’d be supportive of right now, and we think it’s potentially threatening to the peace deal.” The bill passed with a narrow 25-24 vote, and its future in the 120-seat parliament remains uncertain.

In a separate engagement, Vance visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem’s Old City, a significant site for Christians. He is scheduled to meet with Israel’s Defense Minister and military leaders at the army’s headquarters in Tel Aviv. Vance aimed to alleviate concerns regarding the US’s influence over Israel, asserting, “We don’t want in Israel a vassal state… We want a partnership, we want an ally,” in response to questions about Israel’s sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Supreme Court held a hearing regarding the access of international media to the Gaza Strip, granting the state 30 days to present a new position in light of the ceasefire. Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, Israel has restricted reporters from entering Gaza. The Foreign Press Association, representing numerous international news organizations, has urged the court to mandate the government to open the border for media access.

The court previously denied a request from the FPA due to security concerns, and the government has delayed subsequent requests. Palestinian journalists have faced severe restrictions while covering the ongoing conflict, with reports indicating that around 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Tania Kraemer, chairperson of the FPA, stated, “It is time for Israel to lift the closure and let us do our work alongside our Palestinian colleagues.”