U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday as Israeli forces intensified airstrikes across northern Gaza, destroying multiple buildings and killing at least 13 Palestinians, according to local health officials.
Rubio’s visit follows Israel’s controversial strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week — a move that disrupted ceasefire negotiations and sparked diplomatic tensions. He said the purpose of his trip was to engage Israeli leadership on the future of Gaza and the broader regional conflict.
His two-day visit is also seen as a signal of Washington’s continued support for Israel, which faces mounting international criticism ahead of a contentious U.N. General Assembly debate on the recognition of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.
Diplomatic Fallout Over Qatar Strike
Despite tensions within the White House over Israel’s unannounced operation in Doha — which reportedly angered President Donald Trump — Rubio proceeded with the visit. On Sunday, he joined Netanyahu, their spouses, and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee for a tour of the Western Wall.
“This visit is proof of the enduring strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance,” Netanyahu said during the visit.
Rubio had met Qatar’s Prime Minister just days earlier to discuss the fallout from the Israeli airstrike, which killed at least six people. The meetings in both Doha and Jerusalem highlight the Trump administration’s delicate efforts to maintain relationships with both nations amid growing regional instability.
Qatar's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, condemned Israel’s actions during a separate meeting of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers, describing the attack as “a blow to the principle of mediation.” Qatar, along with Egypt and the U.S., has played a key role in ongoing ceasefire talks.
Escalation in Gaza
On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes across Gaza, according to reports from local hospitals. One deadly strike in Deir al-Balah hit a tent sheltering a family of six, all of whom were killed — including three children, their parents, and an aunt.
Israel’s military has not yet commented on the strikes but previously warned Gaza City residents to evacuate. Thousands were seen fleeing on the coastal highway, as smoke from fresh airstrikes billowed in the distance.
“We have begun to wish for death,” said Ashraf Elwan, a displaced resident from Gaza City. “Our lives have become unbearable — our young men lose limbs, our women are widowed, our children orphaned.”
Three high-rise buildings were destroyed on Sunday, including one linked to Gaza’s Islamic University. Israeli forces claimed Hamas had used the buildings for surveillance and military operations, though no evidence was provided.
“This is part of a campaign to erase Gaza City,” said Abed Ismail, a local resident. “They want to force another Nakba.”
The term Nakba refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Israel denies allegations of genocide and maintains that its military actions are aimed at eliminating Hamas.
Rising Deaths from Starvation and Malnutrition
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that two more adults died from malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of such deaths to 277 adults since late June. An additional 145 children have died from similar causes since the war began in October 2023.
While Israeli authorities say over 1,200 aid trucks entered Gaza in the past week, humanitarian organizations warn the aid is insufficient and often looted before reaching civilians.
In a partial relief effort, Israel announced it had completed repairs to one of Gaza’s water pipelines, increasing daily water supply to 14,000 cubic meters. Still, residents struggle to access clean water, with families chasing trucks and carrying water in containers for several kilometers.
Background of the War
The ongoing war was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Since then, Israel’s military operations have killed at least 64,871 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths, but international bodies view its figures as the most reliable available.