Rubio Arrives in Israel to Address Gaza Conflict After Qatar Strike

Lead U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Israel on Sunday to confer with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Gaza war’s trajectory following last week’s Israeli assault on Hamas leaders in Qatar.

Nut Graf Rubio’s unannounced trip underscores mounting U.S. concern over the regional fallout from Israel’s unprecedented strike in Doha, aimed at senior Hamas figures, and seeks to recalibrate ceasefire and hostage-release efforts amid President Trump’s vocal displeasure over the operation.

Highlights Purpose of Visit

  • Confer with Prime Minister Netanyahu on strategies to end the Gaza conflict
  • Secure the simultaneous release of 48 hostages held by Hamas
  • Facilitate humanitarian assistance for Gaza civilians

Trump Administration’s Stance

  • President Trump was “not pleased” with the Doha strike but affirmed that U.S.-Israel ties remain “unchanged”
  • U.S. diplomats aim to assess how the assault affects ongoing Arab-Islamic mediation efforts in Doha

Next Steps

  • Attend an urgent Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Monday to address ceasefire proposals
  • Engage Qatari and Egyptian mediators to revive negotiations between Israel and Hamas

Main Body Rubio departed Joint Base Andrews on Saturday after briefing reporters that Washington would press Israel on minimizing civilian harm and restoring humanitarian corridors in Gaza. His discussions are expected to include U.S. demands for a coordinated truce and clear timelines for rebuilding efforts once hostilities cease.

During his two-day visit, Rubio will also visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem alongside Netanyahu before heading to Doha for broader Middle East consultations. The trip comes as Israel intensifies its northern Gaza operations, ordering mass evacuations and demolishing high-rise structures to root out Hamas strongholds, a campaign that has drawn international criticism for its humanitarian toll.

President Trump’s earlier meeting with Qatar’s prime minister signaled U.S. readiness to mend ties and support Doha’s role as mediator, even as Israeli-Qatari relations remain strained. Rubio’s dual engagement aims to bridge these divides and pave a path toward a sustainable ceasefire that addresses both security and civilian needs in Gaza.