KUALA LUMPUR: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is confident that the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza is achievable, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said he raised the Gaza issue during a 40-minute courtesy call with Rubio in Parliament on Thursday (July 10) evening.

“I stressed that the cruelty must end and the last information is that there are strong efforts (to push for a ceasefire).

“He (Rubio) seems confident that there will be a ceasefire, allowing humanitarian aid to enter Palestine and Gaza,” said Anwar.

Meanwhile, Anwar also said he stressed the importance of stability in the region to ensure growth.

“The US regards its relationship with Malaysia as important and it wants to strengthen cooperation with Asean and its member countries.

“They also understand our stance to be neutral and trade with other countries. This is important,” added Anwar.

Since the Oct 7 conflict in 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed over 57,000 Palestinians.

It was reported Hamas said it would release 10 hostages held in Gaza in order to reach a ceasefire deal to end 21 months of war there.

A previous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas which ended in March brought about two months of peace and saw 33 hostages freed in exchange of thousands of Palestinian prisoners