US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed full support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Jerusalem, emphasizing Washington’s focus on the release of Israeli hostages and the dismantling of Hamas. He did not discuss the possibility of a ceasefire or criticize an Israeli airstrike last week that targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar, another close US ally. The incident has caused strain on US relations in the Gulf region, leading Rubio to plan a stop in Doha on his way to London to address the diplomatic fallout.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, speaking at an emergency Arab and Islamic summit in Doha, accused Israel of attempting to derail peace talks by eliminating Hamas leaders. The Israeli strike had targeted Hamas members who were in Doha to discuss a ceasefire proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump, in line with Israel’s demands for a single-staged agreement to release hostages. Rubin emphasized the need for Hamas to cease as a military entity and warned that the recognition of Palestine by several US allies could complicate peace negotiations.
The Israeli Defense Forces have been conducting an aggressive campaign in Gaza City, destroying residential areas and evacuating their inhabitants, which has been met with international criticism. The UN has reported that Israeli strikes have hit 10 of its facilities in recent days, including schools and clinics. Netanyahu defended these actions, stating that these areas serve as Hamas strongholds, though the UN has expressed concerns about making Gaza City uninhabitable.
There are also divisions within the Israeli military about the strategy in Gaza City, with the IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir reportedly questioning the objectives and potential costs of the military operation. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has also expressed opposition to the ongoing military strategy, advocating for a different approach that prioritizes the safety and return of hostages.
The international community is closely watching these developments, with the Israeli government facing scrutiny over its military actions and allegations of war crimes.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/15/rubio-says-netanyahu-has-full-support-of-us-over-plans-to-destroy-hamas
