Secretary Rubio's Visit to Ceasefire Coordination Center
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday toured the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, Israel, a US-led facility established to oversee the Gaza ceasefire. During his visit, Secretary Rubio made strong statements regarding the future role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip. He unequivocally stated that UNRWA 'cannot play a role in Gaza,' describing the agency as a 'subsidiary of Hamas'.
The CMCC, formally established by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on October 17, 2025, is located approximately 20 miles from Gaza. Its primary functions include monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, facilitating humanitarian and logistical assistance, and supporting stabilization efforts in the region. The center is staffed by approximately 200 US military personnel with expertise in transportation, security, logistics, and engineering. It also includes personnel from Israel, various European nations, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Controversial Stance on UNRWA's Role
Secretary Rubio's remarks underscored a firm US position that UNRWA should be excluded from future aid delivery and governance in Gaza. He emphasized that the United States is prepared to collaborate with a 'conglomeration' of eight to twelve other UN and humanitarian organizations, such as the World Food Programme and Samaritan's Purse, to ensure aid reaches the enclave. This stance aligns with Israeli claims that UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas, with allegations that some of its employees participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks. Israel has reportedly banned UNRWA from operating within its territory and from bringing supplies into Gaza since March.
UNRWA's Rebuttal and International Response
In response to Secretary Rubio's accusations, Dr. Adnan Abu Hasna, spokesperson for UNRWA, denied the claims, asserting they lacked factual evidence. He reiterated UNRWA's commitment to neutrality, independence, and operating under strict UN oversight. The United Nations itself, through deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, rejected Rubio's characterization, emphasizing UNRWA's critical humanitarian role in Gaza and stating that the agency is 'not linked to Hamas.' Haq acknowledged that a small number of UNRWA staff were credibly linked to Hamas and subsequently fired, but noted a lack of evidence against others.
Adding to the international discourse, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on October 22, 2025, that Israel is obligated to allow UN agencies, including UNRWA, to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, the US State Department reportedly denounced this ruling as 'corrupt' and 'politicized.' Despite these challenges, UNRWA continues to provide essential services in Gaza, including health centers, mobile medical teams, sanitation, and education, even as it faces a ban on bringing in new supplies.
Gaza Ceasefire and Future Stability Efforts
Secretary Rubio's visit is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to solidify a fragile ceasefire, which commenced on October 10, 2025, following a US-brokered peace plan. Rubio expressed 'healthy optimism' for the process, despite acknowledging potential challenges. A key component of the peace plan involves establishing an international security force in Gaza. Rubio stressed that Israel must be 'comfortable' with the countries contributing troops to this force. He also reiterated the US position that Hamas 'cannot be involved in governing Gaza in the future.'
5 Comments
KittyKat
Finally, someone calling out UNRWA for what it is! Time for real accountability.
Katchuka
It's understandable to want to prevent aid diversion, but UNRWA has a long history of providing essential services to millions. A gradual transition with established alternatives might have been a more responsible approach than an outright dismissal.
Loubianka
Support for this strong stance! Aid should help people, not terrorists.
Leonardo
UNRWA is vital, irreplaceable. Attacking it is an attack on civilians.
Muchacha
Rubio's idea of new humanitarian partners has merit for ensuring aid integrity. However, the logistical challenge of these organizations scaling up to UNRWA's capacity in Gaza is immense and could lead to critical gaps.