U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Visit to Jerusalem
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Jerusalem and pledged unwavering support to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He called for the elimination of Hamas, the Islamist group controlling the Gaza Strip. Rubio’s visit coincided with a summit of Arab and Muslim countries in Doha, Qatar, where he planned to attend on Tuesday.
Rubio’s Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio emphasized the need for a better future for Gaza’s people but insisted that this could not begin until Hamas was removed. He stated, “You can count on our unwavering support and commitment to make this a reality.” Netanyahu, in response, praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his steadfast support, calling him “the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”
Criticism of Allies’ Intentions to Recognize Palestine
Rubio also criticized U.S. allies, such as the United Kingdom and France, for emboldening Hamas by considering official recognition of a Palestinian state. He argued that such actions have no positive impact on achieving a Palestinian state, only making Hamas feel more emboldened.
Trump’s Desire for Conflict Resolution in Gaza
Rubio highlighted that President Trump wants the Gaza conflict to end, which would mean releasing hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, and ensuring that Hamas no longer poses a threat. However, negotiations to resolve the conflict became complicated when the Trump administration was caught off guard by Israel’s bombing in Qatar, another close U.S. ally.
“Revising” Relationships with Israel: Arab League and OIC Summit in Doha
Meanwhile, at the Arab League and Organization for Islamic Cooperation summit in Doha, participants adopted a final declaration urging members to review diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, including initiating legal proceedings against it.
Gulf Cooperation Council’s Call for Action
The Gulf Cooperation Council, comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, urged the U.S. to use its influence to curb Israel’s actions.
Rubio’s Symbolic Gestures and Meetings
Despite the challenges, Rubio, a devout Catholic, visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem with Netanyahu and met with families of hostages. He also attended the inauguration of a pilgrim tunnel beneath the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, connecting to holy sites.
Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
The Israeli military continued its offensive in Gaza City, the largest city under Hamas control. At least 49 people died on Monday due to Israeli attacks, according to the civil defense.
- Since the 2023 attack, Hamas killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official sources.
- Israel’s counteroffensive has resulted in over 64,900 casualties in Gaza, mostly civilians, as per the Health Ministry’s figures, deemed reliable by the UN.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Marco Rubio? Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State, known for his strong support of Israel and his critical stance on Hamas.
- What is the current conflict about? The ongoing conflict in Gaza involves Israel’s military offensive against Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides.
- What is the position of U.S. allies regarding Palestine? Some U.S. allies, like the UK and France, have expressed intentions to officially recognize a Palestinian state, which Rubio argues only emboldens Hamas.
- What is the outcome of the Arab League and OIC summit in Doha? The summit resulted in a declaration urging members to review their relations with Israel, including possible legal actions.
