On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged “unwavering support” for Israel during his visit, emphasizing the need to eradicate Hamas in the Gaza conflict.
“The people of Gaza deserve a brighter future, which can only start once Hamas is eliminated,” Rubio stated alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Count on our steadfast support and commitment to achieving this goal,” he added.
Netanyahu highlighted Rubio’s visit as a “clear message” of US solidarity with Israel, lauding President Donald Trump as Israel’s “greatest ally” ever.
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Rubio criticized Western nations’ plans to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing they embolden Hamas. “These actions are largely symbolic, but they make Hamas feel more empowered,” he commented.
Rubio mentioned discussions with Netanyahu about Israel’s intentions to seize Gaza City and possibly annex parts of the West Bank, aiming to block a Palestinian state.
He also noted Trump’s desire for the Gaza war to conclude, which involves hostage release and neutralizing Hamas as a threat.
However, last week’s US-Israeli relations were strained when an Israeli attack in Qatar disrupted Hamas leaders’ talks on a US ceasefire proposal.
“We sent a message to terrorists: you can run but you cannot hide,” Netanyahu declared.
“The raid’s primary message was clear,” he added.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza reportedly killed 17 people on Monday, mostly in Gaza City, according to Mahmud Bassal of the Gaza civil defence agency.
Due to media restrictions in Gaza, AFP cannot verify these claims independently.
‘Eternal capital’
Gaza’s health ministry reported Israelis forcing more residents into overcrowded Al-Mawasi, exacerbating shortages of food and water and spreading disease.
The war began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,219 deaths, mainly civilians, based on AFP’s tally of official figures.
Israel’s retaliation has caused at least 64,871 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the UN-reliable health ministry figures.
Trump, a staunch Netanyahu supporter, has backed Qatar, which hosts the largest US airbase in the region and has courted the US with gifts, including a luxury jet.
“Qatar has been a great ally. Israel and others, we must be cautious. We need to be careful when we attack,” Trump stated on Sunday.
Qatar, alongside Egypt and the US, has led mediation between Israel and Hamas.
Yet, the US hasn’t joined European powers urging Israel to halt its offensive, fearing it worsens Gaza’s severe humanitarian crisis, with 2.4 million residents displaced.
Despite Qatar strike objections, Rubio began his visit by joining Netanyahu at the Western Wall, a significant gesture of support.
With Rubio, Netanyahu affirmed that the Israel-US alliance is “stronger than ever”.
Controversial tunnel
A devout Catholic, Rubio later expressed his belief that Jerusalem is Israel’s “eternal capital.” Until Trump’s term, US leaders avoided such declarations supporting Israeli sovereignty over contested Jerusalem, sacred to Muslims and Christians.
Trump’s relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem marked a significant policy shift.
Rubio is set to attend the inauguration of a tourist tunnel beneath Silwan, leading to religious sites.
This project raises Palestinian concerns about reducing their presence and endangering their homes’ foundations.
Fakhri Abu Diab, a Silwan community spokesperson, urged Rubio to witness homes demolished by Israel, which Palestinians allege is a targeted campaign against them.
“The US is siding with extremists, ignoring international law and our history,” he argued.
Rubio downplayed the political aspect, calling it “one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.”
