International Desk
15 September
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel today as Israeli forces intensified their military operations in northern Gaza. During one of the airstrikes, a high-rise building collapsed, killing at least 13 Palestinians. Before his visit, Rubio stated that he aimed to understand Israel’s future plans regarding Gaza, especially after last week’s Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar.
The attack in Doha has dealt a serious blow to ongoing efforts for a ceasefire. Against this backdrop, Rubio’s two-day visit is seen as a show of continued US support for Israel, even as the country faces growing isolation at the United Nations over the Palestinian issue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly opposed the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
Reports indicate that former US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu after Israel’s strike in Qatar, as Washington had not been informed in advance. Despite Trump’s displeasure, Rubio’s presence in Israel highlights the Biden administration’s close alignment with Israel’s policies. On Friday, both Rubio and Trump met Qatar’s Prime Minister to discuss the regional fallout of Israel’s actions, underlining the tense and complicated diplomatic situation surrounding the Gaza conflict.