US Secretary of State Rubio's Visit Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict

Mon Sep 15 2025 07:58:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Marco Rubio's arrival in Israel comes as Israeli airstrikes intensify, destroying residential buildings in Gaza City and displacing thousands. International reactions to both the US-Israel relationship and ongoing military actions continue to evolve.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Israel to address the ongoing war in Gaza, following Israeli airstrikes that have largely affected civilian infrastructure. Amidst criticisms and humanitarian concerns, the situation in Gaza worsens as buildings are destroyed and residents flee. The relationship between the US and Israel, particularly in light of the recent Israeli strike on Hamas members in Qatar, is under scrutiny as discussions about hostages and ceasefires develop further.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Israel to discuss the war in Gaza following Israel's attack on Hamas members in Qatar, which has drawn international condemnation.

Before his departure, Rubio stated that US President Donald Trump was unhappy with the Israeli strike on the key US ally, but emphasized that the US-Israeli relationship remained 'very strong'.

'Obviously we're not happy about it, the president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next,' Rubio conveyed.

His visit coincides with ongoing Israeli actions that have seen residential buildings in Gaza City destroyed, leading to thousands fleeing in anticipation of further military escalation.

In remarks made at Joint Base Andrews, Rubio stressed Trump's priorities: the return of hostages and an end to the war. The situation intensified as Hamas members were in Doha discussing a ceasefire proposal when the Israeli strikes commenced.

Qatar, a significant US ally, condemned Israel's actions as 'cowardly' and 'a flagrant violation of international law.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, stating they targeted Hamas leaders implicated in the October 7 attacks against Israel.

Currently, around 48 hostages, with 20 believed still alive, are in Hamas custody, raising concerns from their families regarding Netanyahu's role in negotiations for their return and potential peace talks.

Both international criticism and humanitarian warnings have been raised against Netanyahu's plan to occupy Gaza City. The UN has highlighted the impending humanitarian disaster amidst military actions in an area already suffering from declared famine.

Israeli airstrikes have destroyed over 30 buildings and affected thousands as evacuation orders push residents towards the southern Gaza Strip. Many displaced Palestinians find themselves in an uncomfortable situation, unable to escape the ongoing bombardments and deteriorating living conditions.

As the conflict continues, statements from Gaza's health ministry reveal the grim statistics: 68 individuals killed in the last day, with starvation taking an alarming toll as the ongoing campaign presses on, leaving at least 64,871 fatalities in its wake.