JERUSALEM: A recent visit by high-ranking US diplomat Marco Rubio to Israel underscored the enduring strength of the US-Israel alliance, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Sunday. This statement comes just days after Israel launched an unprecedented strike against Hamas leaders in Qatar, a move that drew widespread international criticism. The strike, targeting a US ally and key mediator in Gaza truce talks, prompted a show of solidarity from Arab and Muslim leaders in Doha. Qatar’s prime minister called for the world to reject what he termed “double standards” and hold Israel accountable for its actions. The US-Israel relationship, while strong, has faced some strain following the attack. US President Donald Trump voiced disapproval of the Israeli strike, a sentiment echoed by Rubio prior to his departure from Washington. However, Rubio emphasized that the incident wouldn’t fundamentally alter the relationship between the US and Israel. Despite this assurance, the strike has undeniably complicated efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Rubio acknowledged that the US and Israel would need to discuss the repercussions of the attack. Netanyahu defended the operation, stating that eliminating Hamas leadership would remove a significant obstacle to ending the conflict in Gaza. The operation targeted Hamas officials meeting to discuss a new US ceasefire proposal.
Rubio’s Visit and Symbolic Actions
Rubio’s visit included a symbolic prayer session at Jerusalem’s Western Wall alongside Netanyahu and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Following the visit, Netanyahu declared the Israeli-American alliance to be as strong and enduring as the stones of the Western Wall. He further asserted that under the leadership of Rubio and President Trump, the alliance had never been stronger. Rubio’s itinerary included several meetings with Israeli officials, primarily with Netanyahu, scheduled for Monday before his departure on Tuesday. His visit coincided with an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim leaders in Qatar.
International Condemnation and Regional Summit
At a preparatory meeting on Sunday for the summit, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned Israel’s actions. He urged the international community to cease using double standards and to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. He characterized Israel’s actions as a “war of extermination” and suggested that international silence and inaction were emboldening Israel to continue its offensive. The Qatari Prime Minister highlighted that international inaction is enabling the ongoing conflict. Despite mounting international criticism, Israel has intensified its efforts to gain control of Gaza City, instructing residents to evacuate and demolishing numerous buildings allegedly utilized by Hamas.
Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Casualties
According to UN estimates from late August, approximately one million people resided in Gaza City and its surrounding areas, an area the UN declared to be facing famine due to Israeli aid restrictions. Reports from the ground paint a grim picture, with images depicting a large exodus of people fleeing Gaza City. Residents described living in constant terror amidst relentless shelling and powerful explosions. One resident, Sara Abu Ramadan, 20, a resident of Gaza City, shared her experience of the ongoing conflict, citing fear for her safety and criticizing the world’s response. The Gaza civil defence agency reported at least 38 deaths since Sunday morning due to Israeli strikes. However, media restrictions and access limitations impede independent verification of the casualty figures reported by either the civil defense agency or the Israeli military. The UN General Assembly voted in favor of reviving the two-state solution, despite Israel’s opposition, yet Israel continues to receive backing from the US, its most powerful ally and arms supplier.
Background
The current conflict stems from Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, predominantly civilians. Israel’s subsequent retaliatory campaign in Gaza has caused at least 64,871 deaths, also mostly civilians, based on figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, considered credible by the United Nations. Within Israel, opponents of the Netanyahu government are pressuring for an end to the war in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum blamed Netanyahu for hindering hostage release efforts. Of the 251 people taken hostage in October 2023, 47 remain in Gaza; the Israeli military considers 25 of those hostages dead. Experts suggest that Rubio’s visit is unlikely to significantly impact efforts to secure a ceasefire, highlighting a concerning lack of action to achieve a truce in Gaza.
What’s next
The situation in Gaza remains extremely volatile. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, and there are ongoing efforts to try and secure the release of hostages. Netanyahu continues to defend the actions taken by Israel and the US continues to support Israel in this conflict. The coming days and weeks will show how these efforts play out as tensions remain high across the region.
- Netanyahu stated that US diplomat Rubio’s visit to Israel highlights the strong US-Israel alliance.
- The Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar has prompted international criticism.
- Rubio acknowledged that the US president was unhappy about the strike but insisted it would not change the relationship between the US and Israel.
- The UN General Assembly voted to back a revival of the two-state solution.
- Israel continues to receive backing from its most powerful ally, the United States.
