Little daylight between US and Israel evident as Rubio and Netanyahu meet

 

Israel and the United States are showing a strong public display of unity as international criticism intensifies over Israel’s expanding military campaign in Gaza and its airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar.

In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood side by side, stressing that the only way to end the conflict is by eliminating Hamas and freeing all hostages, rejecting calls for a temporary ceasefire. Rubio praised America’s close partnership with Israel, while Netanyahu thanked Washington for “standing with us in the face of terror.”

Rubio is scheduled to visit Qatar to ease tensions between Washington and Doha, a key mediator in hostage talks, after Israel’s strike there killed several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. The strike angered President Donald Trump, who said the U.S. had not been notified in advance, but Rubio downplayed any rift and emphasized the focus on “what happens next.”

Israel continues to press its offensive in Gaza City, ordering evacuations of high-rise buildings it accuses Hamas of using for surveillance. Overnight airstrikes killed at least 14 people, including children, according to medical staff at Shifa Hospital. Journalists were among the victims. Residents describe conditions as “tragic” with little space left to shelter despite Israeli calls to move south.

Internationally, Arab and Muslim leaders meeting in Doha condemned the strike in Qatar and Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza City. Several European countries and Canada have said they will recognize a Palestinian state, a move Israel and the U.S. oppose. Rubio argued such declarations embolden Hamas rather than promote peace.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has since killed tens of thousands in Gaza, with women and children making up roughly half of the reported deaths.

This growing crisis highlights three key themes shaping the debate on Quora and beyond: the U.S.–Israel alliance, Qatar’s mediating role, and the humanitarian toll in Gaza. Keywords trending around the topic include “Israel Gaza war,” “Hamas,” “Qatar mediation,” “Gaza City bombardment,” “UN General Assembly,” and “Palestinian statehood recognition.”