Rubio Lands in Israel Amid Escalating Tensions Over Gaza War and Mideast Diplomatic Fallout

US Secretary of State Rubio Arrives in Israel Amid Tensions Over Gaza War TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst escalating tensions over the Israeli strike on Qatar last week. Rubio's visit comes after US President Donald Trump criticized the attack, which killed several Hamas leaders in Doha. While Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the strike, Rubio emphasized that it would not alter the nature of the US-Israeli relationship. "The president was not happy about the strike, but we're not going to let one incident change the course of our partnership," Rubio said before departing for Israel. The Israeli attack on Qatar has sparked international condemnation, with the United Nations Security Council issuing a statement condemning the bombing as a "grave breach" of international law. The US and other Western countries have also expressed concern over the strike's impact on efforts to broker a truce in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Rubio is expected to discuss the implications of the Israeli attack with Netanyahu, including its potential consequences for regional stability and the prospects for a lasting peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. "We'll be discussing the situation in Gaza and how we can work together to achieve a ceasefire," Rubio said. The visit also comes as Israel's military continues to pound Hamas targets in Gaza, leading to widespread civilian casualties and displacement. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn international attention, with many calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Rubio's meeting with Netanyahu is seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to address the growing tensions between their countries. "We're looking forward to a constructive conversation about how we can work together to achieve our shared goals," said a US State Department spokesperson. The visit also highlights the complex dynamics at play in the Middle East, where regional powers such as Iran and Turkey are vying for influence. As Rubio meets with Netanyahu, he will be navigating a delicate balance of interests and alliances that have shaped the region's politics for decades. Rubio is scheduled to meet with other Israeli officials during his visit, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. The US Secretary of State is expected to return to Washington on Tuesday, following a series of high-level meetings in Israel. Background: The Israeli strike on Qatar was widely condemned by the international community, with many countries expressing concern over its potential consequences for regional stability. The attack has also sparked a renewed debate about the role of the US in the Middle East and its relationship with Israel. Additional Perspectives: "The US should be working to de-escalate tensions in Gaza, not fueling them," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority. "We welcome Secretary Rubio's visit to Israel and hope it will lead to a renewed commitment to peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians," said a statement from the Israeli Embassy in Washington. Current Status: The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with both sides trading fire and civilians caught in the crossfire. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with many calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Rubio's visit is seen as a critical moment in efforts to broker a truce and stabilize the region. Next Developments: Rubio's meeting with Netanyahu will be closely watched by diplomats and policymakers around the world. The outcome of their discussions will have significant implications for regional stability and the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*