On Monday, Israel and the United States presented a united stance amid increasing global criticism over Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas officials in Qatar and the escalating military campaign in Gaza City.
While Arab and Muslim leaders gathered in Doha to denounce last week’s Israeli operation in Qatar, and as fresh condemnation emerged over plans to take control of Gaza City, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood together in Jerusalem, minimising the backlash that had briefly surprised the Trump administration, AP reports.
Rubio is scheduled to make a brief stop in Qatar on Tuesday in what appears to be an effort by the US to reduce friction between two key allies, before traveling to London to meet President Donald Trump during his official visit to the UK.
“We understand they’re not happy about what happened,” Rubio told Fox News. But “we still have Hamas, we still have hostages, and we still have a war. And all those things still have to be dealt with, and we are hopeful that Qatar and all of our Gulf partners will continue to add something constructive.”
There was no visible US irritation with Israel’s recent operations, despite Trump’s earlier expression of dissatisfaction with Israel’s independent strike on Hamas in Qatar.
Netanyahu and Rubio both asserted that the Gaza conflict can only conclude with Hamas’s destruction and the release of the remaining 48 hostages – approximately 20 of whom are thought to be alive – dismissing appeals for a temporary ceasefire.
Hamas has stated it will release the remaining captives only in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and an Israeli pullout from Gaza.
Rubio traveled to Israel to hear from Netanyahu about Israel’s strategy in Gaza and to gauge its openness to Qatar continuing as a mediator.
“Your presence here in Israel today is a clear message that America stands with Israel. You stand with us in the face of terror,” said Netanyahu.
Israel demolished another high-rise building in Gaza City as operations continued. Video captured the blast and the structure’s fall, with people later seen climbing over the gray rubble.
In recent days, Israel has levelled several high-rises after issuing evacuation notices. It claims Hamas placed surveillance gear in the buildings but has not provided proof.
Overnight and into Monday, airstrikes killed at least 18 people, including children, as reported by local medical facilities.
One attack hit a family’s tent, killing seven, and another struck a tent on a rooftop, killing journalist Mohammed al-Kuifi and one other, said Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital. A separate strike in central Gaza killed four people, Al-Awda Hospital reported.
Rubio played down US unease regarding Israel’s current operations in Gaza City, and Netanyahu did not suggest any easing of the offensive.
Part of Rubio’s visit was to reinforce US backing for Israel ahead of expected heightened international criticism at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Several European nations and Canada have announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state, despite strong opposition from the US and Israel.
Some Israeli officials have suggested that Israel might annex portions of the West Bank in response. Rubio stated that recognising statehood outside negotiations undermines peace efforts and implied such moves are politically motivated.
“The only impact they actually have is it makes Hamas feel more emboldened,” he said. “It has actually served as an impediment to peace.”
