US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Endorses Israel's War Aims in Gaza Strip

Image credits: The Associated Press

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has kicked off a Mideast tour in Israel, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and fully endorsing Israel's war aims in the Gaza Strip. Rubio stated that Hamas "must be eradicated" and emphasized that as long as it stands as a force that can govern or threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible. This statement could potentially complicate continued talks with Hamas, which remains in control of Gaza despite suffering heavy losses in the war. The Israeli military has carried out an airstrike on people who approached its forces in southern Gaza, killing three policemen and sparking accusations from Hamas that Netanyahu is trying to sabotage the ceasefire deal.

The US Secretary of State's visit comes as Arab leaders reel from President Donald Trump's proposal to transfer the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip to other countries and redevelop it under US ownership. Netanyahu has welcomed the plan, stating that he and Trump have a "common strategy" for Gaza's future. However, Arab countries have rejected any mass displacement of Palestinians, and Egypt has warned that any such move would undermine its nearly half-century peace treaty with Israel. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have also conditioned any support for postwar Gaza on a return to Palestinian governance with a pathway to statehood in Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem.

Rubio's remarks have sparked concerns over the shaky ceasefire, which is set to end in two weeks. The second phase of the ceasefire, in which Hamas is to release dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, has yet to be negotiated. The Israeli army has launched several operations in Jabaliya during the war, and the conflict has resulted in significant losses for both sides. The US has provided Israel with a shipment of 2,000-pound MK-84 munitions, which had been paused by the Biden administration last year over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. The diplomatic efforts of the US and its allies will be crucial in resolving the crisis and finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with the Israeli military carrying out airstrikes and Hamas threatening to hold up the release of hostages. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The US, in particular, has a significant role to play in brokering a peace deal, given its close relationship with Israel and its influence in the region. However, the proposal to transfer the Palestinian population of Gaza to other countries has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it would be a violation of international law and would only serve to exacerbate the conflict.

In the coming days, Rubio is set to visit regional heavyweights the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where he will likely face pushback from Arab leaders over President Donald Trump's proposal. The US Secretary of State's trip is seen as an attempt to rally support for Israel's war aims, but it remains to be seen whether he will be successful in his efforts. The international community is calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and it is unclear whether the US and its allies will be able to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved. The situation in Gaza remains a complex and delicate issue, and it will require careful negotiation and diplomacy to resolve.