Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday amid escalating tensions, as Israeli forces demolished a high-rise in Gaza City and claimed the lives of at least 13 Palestinians in various strikes across the region.
Rubio's visit, spanning two days, follows closely on the heels of an Israeli operation targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, which has disrupted diplomatic efforts and drawn the ire of President Donald Trump. As reported by the Daily Caller, the President expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of prior notification to the United States regarding the strike.
During his visit, Rubio intends to engage with Israeli officials concerning their strategy for Gaza's future in light of the recent Qatar incident that has hindered ceasefire discussions.
This visit occurs concurrently with a United Nations debate on Palestinian statehood, a proposal that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu staunchly opposes. Despite President Trump's discontent over the Doha strike, Rubio's presence underscores the enduring American support for Israel, even as international criticism intensifies.
On Sunday morning, Israeli forces issued a warning less than an hour before demolishing the Kauther tower in Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee communicated the warning online prior to the building's collapse.
Strikes in proximity to Shifa hospital and a roundabout in Gaza City resulted in multiple Palestinian casualties, including six family members who perished when their tent in Deir al-Balah was hit after fleeing Beit Hanoun.
Gaza's health ministry has reported two additional deaths due to malnutrition in the last 24 hours, raising the starvation-related death toll to 277 since June. The conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, began with Hamas-led militants killing 1,200 individuals and taking 251 hostages.
Israel's retaliatory actions have resulted in at least 64,803 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Of the 48 remaining hostages, 20 are believed to be alive, and approximately 90% of Gaza's 2 million residents have been displaced from their homes.
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