Marco Rubio Arrives Israel Amid Intensified Gaza Assault, Hamas Strikes

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel amid heightened tensions following an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) missile strike targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, which President Donald Trump criticized for lack of prior notification. Rubio reaffirmed unwavering U.S. support for Israel's security and emphasized priorities including the release of 48 hostages held by Hamas, humanitarian aid access for Gaza civilians, and addressing the ongoing threat posed by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strike aimed to remove Hamas leaders obstructing ceasefire efforts and announced plans to seize Gaza City and expand settlements in the West Bank, moves that risk undermining the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords. Rubio's visit included meetings with Israeli leaders, a visit to the Western Wall, and discussions on the offensive in Gaza and the reconstruction of the Strip. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with intensified Israeli military operations causing significant civilian casualties and raising concerns about malnutrition and starvation amid limited aid. The visit also occurs ahead of an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Qatar and a contentious United Nations General Assembly session where the potential recognition of a Palestinian state is expected to be debated.