US and Israel Maintain Unity as Rubio and Netanyahu Address International Criticism

During a meeting in Jerusalem, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed their alliance amid growing international backlash over Israel's military actions in Gaza. The leaders aim to address tensions while focusing on ongoing conflicts involving Hamas.

Israel and the United States presented a united stance amidst growing global criticism over Israel's airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar and its intensified attacks on Gaza City. As Arab and Muslim leaders convened in Doha to denounce Israel's actions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood together in Jerusalem, downplaying the uproar that briefly unsettled the Trump administration.

Netanyahu and Rubio both emphasised that ending the conflict in Gaza requires eliminating Hamas and freeing the remaining 48 hostages, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. They dismissed calls for a temporary ceasefire, advocating instead for an immediate resolution. Hamas has stated it will release hostages only if Palestinian prisoners are freed, a lasting ceasefire is established, and Israel withdraws from Gaza.

US-Israel Relations Amidst Conflict

Rubio's visit to Israel aimed to seek clarity from Netanyahu on Israel's plans in Gaza and assess Qatar's potential role as a mediator. "Your presence here in Israel today is a clear message that America stands with Israel. You stand with us in the face of terror," Netanyahu said. The attack in Doha, which resulted in the deaths of at least five lower-ranking Hamas members and a Qatari security force member, seems to have halted mediation efforts.

Footage captured another high-rise building being destroyed by Israel in Gaza City as part of its ongoing offensive. The video showed the explosion and subsequent collapse of the tower, followed by people climbing over the rubble. In recent days, Israel has demolished several high-rises after issuing evacuation warnings, accusing Hamas of using them for surveillance without providing evidence.

Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Impact

Airstrikes overnight into Monday resulted in at least 14 fatalities, including children, according to health officials at Shifa Hospital. One strike hit a tent housing a family in Gaza City, killing seven people. Another strike targeted a tent on a building's roof, killing local journalist Mohammed al-Kuifi and another person, as reported by Shifa Hospital.

The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 individuals. Most hostages have since been released through ceasefires partly brokered by Qatar or other agreements. Israel's retaliatory offensive has resulted in at least 64,871 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts

Rubio plans to visit Qatar on Tuesday to ease tensions between allies before heading to London for President Donald Trump's state visit to Britain. "We understand they're not happy about what happened," Rubio told Fox News. "But we still have Hamas, we still have hostages, and we still have a war." He expressed hope that Qatar and Gulf partners would contribute constructively.

Despite Trump's displeasure with Israel's unilateral strike on Hamas in Qatar, there were no signs of US frustration with Israel's recent actions. Rubio downplayed US concerns about Israel's operations in Gaza City, while Netanyahu showed no intention of halting the offensive.

Palestinian Statehood Debate

One reason for Rubio's visit was to demonstrate support for Israel as it faces potential international condemnation at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session. Several European countries and Canada plan to recognise a Palestinian state despite US and Israeli objections. Some Israeli politicians hinted at possibly annexing parts of the West Bank as a response.

Rubio argued that recognising statehood is counterproductive to achieving peace through negotiations and suggested such declarations are self-serving. "The only impact they actually have is it makes Hamas feel more emboldened," he said. "It's actually served as an impediment to peace."

Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Conflict

Israel has urged Palestinians in Gaza City to move south but space is limited in Muwasi, a crowded tent camp designated as a humanitarian zone where strikes on militant targets continue. COGAT stated it has increased food, medical supplies, and shelter provisions allowed into Gaza since May.

Images showed Palestinians walking or driving along the narrow road by the sea designated as a safe corridor by Israel. COGAT also reported repairing water lines and power lines for desalination plants.

The situation remains dire with ongoing conflict impacting civilians significantly. The humanitarian crisis continues as efforts for peace remain complex amidst political tensions.

With inputs from PTI