U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington's "unwavering support" for Israel during a high-profile visit to Jerusalem on Monday, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas as Israeli forces intensified operations in Gaza City. Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio declared, "The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated."
Netanyahu praised the visit as a "clear message" of solidarity, while Rubio criticized recent moves by some Western governments to recognize a Palestinian state, calling such decisions "largely symbolic" and counterproductive to peace efforts. "They only embolden Hamas," he asserted.
The diplomatic talks coincided with escalating violence, as Israeli airstrikes destroyed another high-rise building in Gaza City. Gaza health authorities reported at least 34 fatalities in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 64,905. Three additional starvation-related deaths were confirmed, raising famine-related casualties to 425.
Rubio addressed regional tensions following an Israeli strike in Doha that killed a Qatari security officer, stating, "We are focused on what happens next" amid growing Gulf anger. Analysts suggest the visit underscores U.S. efforts to balance military support for Israel with growing international concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
