U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Arrives in Israel Amid Intensified Israeli Strikes in Northern Gaza
Jerusalem, September 14, 2025 - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday as the country intensified its attacks against northern Gaza, flattening another high-rise building and killing at least 12 Palestinians.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Rubio's visit comes as Israeli forces continue their military operation in Gaza, with a focus on targeting Hamas leadership. The Secretary of State is expected to meet with Israeli officials to discuss the way forward in Gaza following Israel's attacks.
Rubio had stated ahead of his trip that he would be seeking answers from Israeli officials about how they see the future of Gaza. "We will be discussing the situation in Gaza and the way forward," Rubio said, according to a statement released by his office. "The United States is committed to supporting Israel's right to defend itself while also working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict."
The Israeli military operation has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life in Gaza, with at least 12 Palestinians killed on Sunday alone. The high-rise building that was flattened was reportedly housing several families, leading to concerns about civilian casualties.
According to experts, the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic," said Dr. Ahmed Al-Kurd, a Gaza-based humanitarian worker. "The people of Gaza are living in constant fear of attack and are struggling to access basic necessities like food and water."
Rubio's visit comes as the international community continues to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The United States has been a key player in efforts to broker a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, but progress has been slow.
As Rubio meets with Israeli officials, he is expected to emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. "The United States is committed to supporting a two-state solution that brings peace and stability to the region," Rubio said. "We will continue to work towards this goal through diplomatic efforts and support for humanitarian aid."
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with both sides trading blame for the escalation of violence. As Rubio's visit continues, it remains to be seen whether his efforts can help bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Background: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence. The current military operation in Gaza is the latest in a series of escalations that have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction on both sides.
Attribution:
Associated Press: "Rubio arrives in Israel as Israeli strikes intensify in northern Gaza"
Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's office
Interview with Dr. Ahmed Al-Kurd, a Gaza-based humanitarian worker
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
