US Secretary of State Rubio Visits Western Wall Amid Israel-Gaza Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee during his official trip to Israel. Rubio's visit comes amid tensions following Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, which have drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, though Netanyahu insists that U.S.-Israel relations remain stronger than ever. Rubio acknowledged the president's dissatisfaction with the strikes but emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and the need to focus on hostage release and Gaza's reconstruction. The delegation participated in traditional prayers and rituals at the site and toured the Western Wall tunnels. Meanwhile, Qatar condemned the Israeli strikes as "state terrorism" and criticized the timing amid ceasefire negotiations. Rubio's meetings with Netanyahu aim to address these complex regional issues and seek pathways forward amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.