U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday as the country’s military intensified its campaign in northern Gaza, demolishing high-rise buildings and killing at least 13 Palestinians in a series of airstrikes.
Rubio’s two-day visit comes in the wake of Israel’s controversial strike in Doha last week that targeted Hamas leaders, killing at least six people. The attack derailed ceasefire efforts and has drawn widespread international condemnation. President Donald Trump, angered that Washington was not informed in advance, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the strike.
Before leaving Washington, Rubio said he intended to seek clarity from Israeli officials on their long-term strategy for Gaza. His trip also signals U.S. support for Israel as it faces growing diplomatic isolation ahead of a contentious United Nations debate next week on Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu has staunchly opposed international recognition of a Palestinian state.
On Sunday, Rubio and his wife joined Netanyahu, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and their spouses in touring Jerusalem’s Western Wall and nearby tunnels. “His visit is a testament to the strength and durability of the Israeli-American alliance — as strong as the stones of the Western Wall we just touched,” Netanyahu said.
The Doha strike, which prompted an emergency meeting of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers, has complicated Washington’s balancing act between key Middle Eastern partners. On Friday, Rubio and Trump met with Qatar’s prime minister to discuss the fallout, underscoring the administration’s effort to maintain ties with both Israel and Qatar.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the strike as “an attack on the principle of mediation itself” but said his country remained committed to working with Egypt and the U.S. toward a ceasefire.
Mounting Civilian Toll in Gaza
Hospitals in Gaza reported at least 13 deaths and dozens of injuries from Israeli strikes on Sunday, including a strike near Shifa Hospital, another at a Gaza City roundabout, and one in Deir al-Balah that killed six members of the same family — two parents, their three children, and their aunt — who had recently fled northern Gaza.
Defense Minister Israel Katz posted footage of the destruction on social media, writing: “The skyline of Gaza is changing.” The Israeli military has not commented on the latest strikes.
The Gaza Health Ministry also reported worsening humanitarian conditions, including two adult deaths from malnutrition within 24 hours. Since June, 277 adults and 145 children have died from starvation-related causes, according to ministry figures.
Israel said more than 1,200 trucks carrying food and supplies entered Gaza last week, and international teams restored one of three water lines from Israel to the territory, raising supply levels. But aid groups warn the assistance falls far short of what is needed, with much of it intercepted before reaching families.
Gaza’s residents continue to face dire shortages of food, water, and shelter as the conflict enters its second summer. Nearly 90 percent of the enclave’s population has been displaced, and much of its urban landscape lies in ruins.
War’s Toll
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted 251 others. Israel believes 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 64,871 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says about half the victims were women and children.
