Breaking News: Marco Rubio Visits Israel Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday to discuss the war in Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Israeli forces continue to destroy residential buildings in Gaza City. The visit comes after a US-Israeli disagreement over Israel's attack on Hamas members in Qatar.
Timeline:
Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza on Friday, leading to a significant escalation of the conflict.
US President Donald Trump expressed unhappiness with the Israeli strike, but emphasized the strength of the US-Israeli relationship.
Rubio departed for Israel on Saturday, saying the president's priority remains the return of all hostages and an end to the war.
Immediate Impact:
The destruction of residential buildings in Gaza City has forced thousands to flee their homes, with many seeking shelter in nearby refugee camps. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly, with reports of shortages in food, water, and medical supplies.
Background Context:
Tensions between Israel and Hamas have been escalating for weeks, with both sides trading blame for the violence. The US has long been a key ally of Israel, but the recent disagreement over the attack on Hamas members in Qatar has raised questions about the strength of their relationship.
What Happens Next:
Rubio's visit to Israel is expected to focus on finding a way forward in the conflict, with both sides seeking to de-escalate tensions and prevent further bloodshed. The US is likely to push for a ceasefire, while Israel may seek to continue its military campaign against Hamas targets.
In a statement, Rubio said: "We're not happy about it, but we need to move forward and figure out what comes next." His visit comes as Israeli forces prepare for an expected ground offensive in Gaza City.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*
