(MENAFN) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Sunday that efforts are currently underway to resolve logistical challenges following Hamas' acceptance of the key points in President Donald Trump's ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal for Gaza.

According to Rubio, these discussions are the next step in progressing toward halting hostilities and ensuring the release of hostages and detainees on both sides.

During an interview, Rubio emphasized that a recent statement issued by the Palestinian group on Friday confirmed they “have agreed to the president’s hostage release framework.”

He highlighted that the next phase involves organizing meetings to finalize operational details, which are already in progress and expected to conclude shortly.

These logistical discussions revolve around determining the recipients of the hostages, as well as the specific time and location of the transfer.

Rubio underscored the importance of a ceasefire during this period, stating that the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza must come to a halt to facilitate the safe exchange process.

“You can't have bombs going off and fighting going on in the middle of this exchange,” the Secretary of State remarked.

When questioned about Israel's planned withdrawal stages from Gaza as part of the proposed framework, Rubio clarified that Israeli forces would reposition to the areas they had occupied in mid-August.

“They’ve agreed to that piece,” he affirmed, referring to Israel's part in the plan.

Rubio also noted that all parties, including Israel, have recognized that the future governance of Gaza will ultimately fall to a Palestinian-led technocratic authority, distinctly separate from Hamas.

He mentioned this new administration would operate with “the assistance and the guidance of an international consortium,” ensuring stability and oversight in the post-conflict phase.

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