Post by : Raman

Top US diplomat Marco Rubio began a visit to Israel on Sunday amid growing tensions in the region. His visit comes after Israel carried out a strike in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders. The attack has drawn criticism from several countries, but the United States continues to show strong support for Israel.

Rubio’s trip takes place after President Donald Trump expressed displeasure over the strike. While Trump was “not happy” with Israel’s actions, he said it would not change the strong relationship between the United States and Israel. Rubio told reporters that the US and Israel would discuss the impact of the strike on ongoing efforts to bring peace to Gaza.

The Israeli strike in Qatar targeted Hamas leaders who were reportedly discussing a new ceasefire plan proposed by the United States. This strike is Israel’s first military action against US ally Qatar. It has raised concerns about diplomatic relations and efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza.

During his visit, Rubio will meet Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is also scheduled to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem. His key meetings are expected to focus on security, counterterrorism, and maintaining strong US-Israel relations. Rubio will depart Israel on Tuesday.

Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza, especially in Gaza City, which is the largest urban area in the territory. The Israeli government has issued evacuation orders and carried out airstrikes on several high-rise buildings, claiming they were used by Hamas. Reports indicate that approximately one million people live in Gaza City and surrounding areas, many facing severe food shortages due to limited aid.

The ongoing violence has caused immense suffering among civilians. Images and eyewitness accounts show families fleeing through destroyed neighborhoods. Among the evacuees are children, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities. Sara Abu Ramadan, a 20-year-old resident of Gaza City, described living in constant fear and witnessing massive destruction. She questioned the purpose of the violence and appealed to the world to help end the suffering.

The UN General Assembly recently voted to support the two-state solution, despite opposition from Israel. Several Western countries, including Britain and France, have expressed frustration with Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. Nevertheless, Israel continues to receive strong backing from the United States, which remains its largest ally and arms supplier.

Ahead of Rubio’s visit, the US State Department emphasized that the diplomat would show commitment to fighting anti-Israel actions. This includes opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that could benefit Hamas. At the same time, domestic pressure is growing on Israel’s government to resolve the conflict and secure the release of hostages.

The hostage situation remains critical. Of the 251 people taken by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 47 remain in Gaza. The Israeli military reported that 25 of them have died. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of being the main obstacle to freeing these captives.

Experts on Middle East policy have expressed concern over the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, described the US approach as showing “alarming passivity” in pushing for peace. He noted that a real ceasefire in Gaza is yet to be achieved despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The conflict in Gaza began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel. The attack killed 1,219 people, most of them civilians. In response, Israel carried out a military campaign that has resulted in at least 64,803 deaths in Gaza, again mostly civilians. The United Nations considers these figures to be reliable.

Marco Rubio’s visit highlights the United States’ continued commitment to Israel, even as the situation in Gaza remains dire. The trip underscores the complex balance the US must maintain between supporting an ally and addressing humanitarian concerns. Diplomatic efforts in the coming days will be crucial to prevent further escalation and to protect civilians caught in the conflict.

As international attention focuses on Gaza and Israel, the world watches closely. The violence has caused widespread suffering, and humanitarian organizations warn that continued fighting will lead to even greater disaster. While diplomatic missions like Rubio’s aim to manage political relations, the urgent need remains for peace and relief for those living under constant threat.

The ongoing crisis in Gaza and Israel is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. Civilians continue to endure trauma, loss, and insecurity. It is imperative for world leaders to pursue solutions that reduce violence and ensure safety for all people in the region. Rubio’s visit represents one part of the global effort to navigate this difficult situation and seek a path toward stability.

Marco Rubio, Israel visit, Gaza conflict, US Israel relations, Netanyahu, Hamas