U.S. secretary in Israel frames three-part push to keep Gaza ceasefire, speed aid and stand up international stabilization force

The U.S. Secretary of State, speaking at a press briefing in Israel, said the United States and partner countries are working to implement a 21-point plan to preserve the current ceasefire, get life-sustaining humanitarian aid into Gaza and create an international stabilization force to help demilitarize and eventually stabilize the territory.

The secretary said the work is proceeding roughly 10–14 days after the agreement was signed and that progress so far is "historic and extraordinary" while cautioning the process "is not gonna be a linear journey" and "there are gonna be bumps along the road." He described the effort as three linked priorities: deconfliction and maintaining the ceasefire at and beyond the so-called "yellow line," expanding and securing humanitarian assistance, and forming a multinational stabilization force to provide security as reconstruction and governance plans are developed.

Why this matters: the secretary said the international effort aims to prevent renewed large-scale fighting, ensure hostages and remains are returned and create conditions that prevent Gaza from being used again as an operational base for terrorist groups. "We fully expect that Hamas will fully…