Israel intensified its military campaign in Gaza City on Tuesday following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jerusalem, where he voiced full support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new offensive and its aim of eradicating Hamas.
During his visit on Monday, Rubio made it clear that Israel could "count on our unwavering support" for its operations in the devastated Palestinian territory. Hours later, witnesses reported “heavy, relentless bombing on Gaza City,” which destroyed homes and left many people trapped under rubble.
The escalation comes despite US President Donald Trump criticising Israel just a week earlier for air strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, a key US ally and home to the largest American airbase in the region. Rubio, however, dismissed Qatar’s ceasefire negotiations and condemned Hamas as “barbaric animals.”
Rubio is scheduled to visit Qatar on Tuesday to reassure its leadership. Trump told reporters that Netanyahu “won’t be hitting in Qatar” again, underscoring concerns about escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, France is pushing for Palestinian statehood at an upcoming UN summit, a move supported by some US allies frustrated by Israel’s stance.
Rubio called such recognition “largely symbolic,” while Netanyahu warned of possible “unilateral steps” in response. Members of Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet have even proposed annexing the occupied West Bank to prevent statehood, drawing criticism from countries like the United Arab Emirates, which recognised Israel five years ago.
Netanyahu described Rubio’s visit as a “clear message” of US solidarity and called Trump “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had.” Standing beside Netanyahu, Rubio stated, “The people of Gaza deserve a better future. But that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated.”
Rubio also met privately with families of hostages held by Palestinian militants. Of the 251 taken in October 2023, 47 remain in Gaza, with 25 believed dead.
In a symbolic gesture, Rubio visited East Jerusalem’s Old City and joined Netanyahu at the Western Wall, calling Jerusalem the “eternal capital” of Israel. This marked a shift from previous US policy that had avoided such declarations due to the city’s religious significance for Muslims and Christians.
Later Monday, Rubio attended the inauguration of a tunnel for religious tourists beneath the Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan, connecting to holy sites.