Washington, Oct. 9 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday praised the efforts of President Donald Trump as Israel and Hamas agree for the "first phase" of Gaza ceasefire deal or "peace plan", saying that it was only possible due to Trump's involvement in forging "personal and close relationships" between partners in the middle east region.

"It's not an exaggeration that none of it would have been possible without the President of the United States being involved. It really began with your trip to the Middle East, where these relationships were forged with partners in the region, personal and close relationships that created the foundation for all of this to be possible," Rubio said while addressing a cabinet meeting at the Whit...