US Secretary Rubio Visits Israel Amid Gaza Strikes, Doha Tensions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel amid escalating Israeli strikes in Gaza and in the wake of an Israeli attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar that disrupted ceasefire efforts. While President Donald Trump expressed displeasure over the unnotified Israeli strike in Doha, the administration remains committed to supporting Israel and defeating Hamas, with Rubio emphasizing the goal of ending the war and securing the release of all hostages. Rubio's visit includes discussions with Israeli leaders about their plans for Gaza, Israeli strategy, and the future of the conflict, as well as the contentious issue of West Bank annexation, which Netanyahu opposes and which risks undermining regional peace accords and increasing Israel’s international isolation. The strike in Qatar has drawn widespread regional and international condemnation, prompted an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha to discuss a unified response, and complicated diplomatic efforts for a Gaza ceasefire ahead of the UN General Assembly session. Despite tensions, the Trump administration is seeking to balance relations with both Israel and Qatar, underscoring the complex diplomatic environment surrounding the Gaza war and broader Middle East peace efforts.