Rubio announces US support for Israeli offensive in Gaza
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday backed Israel’s new offensive on Gaza City and its goal of eradicating Hamas, casting doubt on whether diplomacy would work to end nearly two years of war.
Rubio showed no daylight between himself and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a visit to Jerusalem, despite President Donald Trump chiding Israel a week earlier for carrying out air strikes on Hamas leaders in US partner Qatar.
“The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated,” Rubio told reporters at a joint press conference with Netanyahu.
“You can count on our unwavering support,” he said.
Meanwhile Israel heavily bombarded Gaza City on Tuesday, witnesses told AFP, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed Israel’s offensive in the devastated Palestinian territory.
“There is heavy, relentless bombing on Gaza City, and the danger keeps increasing,” witness Ahmed Ghazal said, adding that homes had been destroyed and residents were trapped under the rubble.
Gaza civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that “bombing is still ongoing heavily across Gaza City, and the number of deaths and injuries continues to rise”.
