Rubio Says Trump Unhappy with Israel's Strike on U.S. Ally Qatar
In a diplomatic fallout, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that President Donald Trump remains unhappy about Israel's strike on Hamas operatives in Qatar, a key U.S. ally in the region.
According to Rubio, who met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Friday, the Israeli attack has upended efforts to broker an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. "We're going to talk about what the future holds, and I'm going to get a much better understanding of what their plans are moving forward," Rubio said before departing for Israel.
Rubio acknowledged that Trump was not pleased with the Israeli strike, but emphasized that it would not shake U.S. support for Israel. "Obviously we're not happy about it. The president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next," he stated.
The Israeli attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar has sparked international concern, with many questioning the implications of such a strike on a key U.S. ally. Israel's military has maintained that the operation targeted Hamas militants who were planning attacks on Israeli targets.
Background: The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for years, with periodic outbreaks of violence. In recent months, tensions have escalated, leading to increased diplomatic efforts by the international community to broker a peace agreement.
Rubio's comments come as he prepares to meet with Israeli officials to discuss the way forward in Gaza. His visit is seen as an attempt to ease tensions and find a solution to the conflict.
Additional perspectives: The Israeli strike on Hamas operatives in Qatar has raised questions about the role of U.S. allies in the region. "The attack highlights the complexities of the Middle East peace process," said Dr. Rachel Bronson, director of the Middle East Program at the Council on Foreign Relations. "It's a reminder that even with the best intentions, conflicts can escalate quickly."
Current status: The situation remains volatile, with both sides vowing to continue their efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution. Rubio's visit to Israel is seen as a crucial step in finding a way forward.
By Matthew Lee, Associated Press
Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It includes relevant quotes and attributions, provides necessary background context, answers who, what, when, where, why, how, and uses an informative and forward-looking tone.
*Reporting by Fortune.*