Rubio Endorses Israel’s Plan to Defeat Hamas
During a visit to Jerusalem, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed full support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to destroy Hamas. Rubio emphasized that eliminating Hamas and freeing all hostages are top priorities.
On Airstrikes and Ceasefire Talks
Rubio declined to back ceasefire proposals at this time. He also refrained from criticizing Israel’s recent airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, despite international concern.
Hostage Release & War Strategy
Both Rubio and Netanyahu continued to stress that the war strategy must include restoring all hostages. They insisted that defeating Hamas is essential to achieving peace and security for Israel.
Regional Tensions & Reactions
The decision comes amid heightened tensions following the Doha strike, which killed several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. Arab and Islamic states convened a summit in Doha to condemn the strike. Qatar has expressed strong displeasure, and regional diplomatic relations are under strain.
