U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel today following an Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders. The strike drew international criticism, especially from Washington, which called it a unilateral move against a key ally.
Rubio’s visit comes as Israeli forces intensify operations in Gaza City, aiming to eliminate Hamas. Palestinian officials report that at least 30 residential buildings were destroyed and thousands were displaced.
Israel plans to seize the city, where nearly a million Palestinians are sheltering.
Rubio is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss hostage negotiations and Gaza’s reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Arab states will convene an emergency summit in Qatar tomorrow to address the crisis.
In the West Bank, Netanyahu signed a deal to expand settlements, drawing warnings from the UAE that it could jeopardize the Abraham Accords. Aid groups warn that a full Israeli takeover of Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster.
