Rubio Visits Israel, Condemns Palestinian Statehood Recognition/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm a shared stance on eliminating Hamas and rejecting premature ceasefires. The visit highlighted strong U.S.–Israel alignment despite recent tension over an Israeli airstrike in Doha. Both leaders also condemned international moves toward recognizing Palestinian statehood at the UN.
U.S.–Israel Alignment in Gaza Conflict: Quick Looks
- Shared Goal: Rubio and Netanyahu agree on eliminating Hamas entirely.
- Hostages Priority: Demand full return of hostages, living or dead.
- No Ceasefire: Both reject interim ceasefire efforts without Hamas’ defeat.
- Doha Strike Fallout: Rubio visits despite Trump’s frustration over lack of U.S. notification.
- Gaza City Offensive: Israel intensifies airstrikes, targeting Hamas in high-rises.
- Civilian Toll: At least 12 killed overnight, including children.
- Statehood Opposition: Rubio and Netanyahu reject Palestinian state recognition plans at UN.
- UN Session: International pressure expected as Canada and EU nations consider recognition.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Displacement worsens as Gaza residents flee through limited corridors.
- Ongoing War Stats: Over 64,800 Palestinians killed since October 2023; 48 hostages remain.
Deep Look: Rubio, Netanyahu Show Unified Front Against Hamas and Palestinian Statehood Recognition
JERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, showcasing firm alignment between Washington and Jerusalem in the ongoing war in Gaza. Both leaders rejected calls for an interim ceasefire, insisting instead on the complete destruction of Hamas and the return of all Israeli hostages as prerequisites for peace.
The meeting underscored the enduring strength of the U.S.–Israel alliance, even as tensions linger over an uncoordinated Israeli airstrike in Doha. Rubio’s trip comes at a critical juncture—just days before the United Nations General Assembly, where several countries plan to recognize a Palestinian state.
Rubio and Netanyahu Present a Unified Front
Standing beside Netanyahu, Rubio made clear that peace in the region is unattainable so long as Hamas remains operational. “As long as they’re around, there will be no peace in this region because they are not agents of peace. They are agents of barbarism,” he stated.
The comments followed a meeting focused on the path forward in Gaza and the diplomatic role Qatar may still play in negotiations. Israel recently struck Hamas leadership figures in Doha, which angered President Donald Trump for being carried out without prior U.S. notification.
Despite this, Rubio downplayed the diplomatic fallout and signaled continued U.S. support for Israeli military actions. “Your presence here in Israel today is a clear message that America stands with Israel,” Netanyahu told him during a joint appearance.
Continued Strikes on Gaza City as Civilian Casualties Mount
While diplomacy played out in Jerusalem, Israeli forces pressed on with their assault on Gaza City—Hamas’ last major stronghold, according to Israeli officials. On Monday, the military ordered another high-rise evacuation. Recent strikes have leveled several of the city’s tallest towers, which the military claims housed Hamas surveillance infrastructure.
At least 12 Palestinians, including children, were reported killed overnight in airstrikes, according to officials at Shifa Hospital. One of the deadliest incidents struck a family tent in western Gaza, killing seven.
Gaza resident Mohammed Saber described the night as another “horror,” adding, “The situation is tragic and getting worse day by day.”
Israel continues urging civilians to move south through a designated humanitarian corridor. But overcrowding, limited shelter space, and financial constraints have made relocation nearly impossible for many families. Still, images on Monday showed dozens making their way along the narrow coastal road, carrying bags and small children.
Hostages Remain a Central Focus
The leaders reaffirmed that securing the return of all hostages—both alive and dead—is a non-negotiable priority. Hamas militants abducted 251 people during the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited the conflict. Israel believes 20 of the remaining 48 hostages are still alive.
That attack, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis—mostly civilians—prompted the ongoing Israeli offensive. Since then, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that at least 64,871 Palestinians have been killed, though the breakdown between civilians and combatants remains unclear.
U.S.–Israel Oppose Palestinian State Recognition at UN
Another key topic during Rubio’s visit was the international push to recognize Palestinian statehood. With the upcoming UN General Assembly session, Canada and several European countries have announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state—moves opposed by both the U.S. and Israel.
Rubio argued that such recognition would embolden Hamas and derail any hope for lasting peace. “They have really no impact whatsoever in bringing about a Palestinian state. The only impact they actually have is it makes Hamas feel more emboldened,” he said, calling the moves self-serving and counterproductive.
Netanyahu echoed this stance, reiterating that peace can’t come through external declarations but only through negotiations that ensure Israel’s security.
Broader Implications and Diplomatic Calculations
Rubio’s visit, despite recent U.S. frustration over the Doha incident, sends a clear signal: the United States remains fully committed to Israel’s war goals. While President Trump expressed being “not thrilled” with Israel’s unilateral strike in Qatar, his administration continues to prioritize the destruction of Hamas over ceasefire negotiations.
Still, questions remain about Qatar’s future role in mediation, especially after being blindsided by the Israeli attack. Rubio sidestepped direct criticism of Israel, instead emphasizing continued U.S. interest in keeping diplomatic channels open.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates
As Gaza City faces daily bombardments, humanitarian concerns mount. Displaced families are flooding the narrow southern corridors. Resources in designated “humanitarian zones” are stretched thin. Aid agencies warn that the region is teetering on the edge of total collapse if conditions do not improve.
With the conflict deepening and diplomatic avenues narrowing, Monday’s meeting made clear that both the U.S. and Israel are doubling down on military solutions, even as the rest of the world pushes for diplomatic compromise and humanitarian relief.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.