3 hours agoRubio promises stable “support” for Israel in the Gaza war
Periskopi(9 months ago)
(9 months ago)US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday during a visit to Israel that Washington would offer its ally “firm support” in his fight at the Gaza Strip, as well as require the elimination of Hamas recently declared Palestinian group terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union. “The people of [...]
The Gaza people deserve better future, but it cannot start without the elimination of Hamas”, Rubio told reporters, speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“You can count on our firm support and dedication to bring this goal to the end”, he added.
Netanyahu called Rubios' visit “clear message” that the United States stands alongside Israel, praising President Donald Trump as the greatest “Israel has ever had”.
Rubio criticised several Western countries' plans to recognise the Palestinian state, saying that only “encourages” Hamas.
The US secretary said he will discuss with Netanyah Israeli plans to take control of Gaza City, the largest urban centre of territory, as well as the talks on annexing parts of the occupied West Coast to try to create a Palestinian state.
He added that President Trump wants the war in Gaza to end “which, according to Rubios, implies the release of hostages and the elimination of Hamas as a threat.
The war began after Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, in Israel, where 1,219 people were killed, mostly civilians.
Israel's military response in Gaza has left more than 6,800 people dead, also mainly civilians, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, figures that the United Nations considers reliable.
President Trump, for years Netanyah's strong supporter, has also expressed support for Qatar, where the largest American air base in the region is located.
Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has led media efforts between Israel and Hamas.
Rubio began his visit on Sunday with a symbolic gesture of support, going with Netanyah to the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
He later declared that Jerusalem is the “capital of Israel's” a stance that, prior to Trump's first mandate, American leaders had taken care to avoid.
It was Trump that moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem, breaking international practice.
Rubio is expected to participate Monday in the inauguration of a religious tourist tunnel that passes under Palestinian neighbourhood Silva. The project has sparked concerns among Palestinian residents that it could further weaken their presence and even jeopardise the foundations of homes, writes the REL, broadcast Periscope
