Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / XHNews

Rubio in Israel as Gaza City Faces Heavy Destruction

US-Israel Relations During Gaza War

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Israel during a time of intense war in Gaza. His visit comes after Israel launched air strikes in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described US-Israeli ties as "unbreakable," comparing them to the strength of the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

Rubio confirmed that US President Donald Trump was not happy with Israel’s attack in Qatar, but assured reporters that America’s relationship with Israel remains "very strong." He also said Washington’s top priority is to bring home hostages and to push for an end to the ongoing war.

Strikes in Qatar and Global Reaction

The recent Israeli strike in Qatar killed senior Hamas leaders who were reportedly involved in the planning of the October 7, 2023 attacks. Israel defended the action as necessary, while Qatar condemned it as "cowardly" and a "clear violation of international law." Qatar’s Prime Minister urged the world to stop double standards and hold Israel accountable for its actions.

An emergency Arab-Islamic summit is planned in Doha to discuss next steps. Despite tensions, Qatar says it will continue to mediate efforts for peace and a possible ceasefire deal.

Families of Hostages Blame Netanyahu

Families of the 48 Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of blocking peace talks. According to them, every time a deal is close, Netanyahu finds ways to delay or stop it. They believe his actions are preventing the safe return of the hostages.

Gaza City Under Siege

Meanwhile, Gaza City continues to face severe destruction. Israeli air strikes have reduced many residential towers and schools to rubble. Verified footage showed bombs hitting the al-Kawthar tower, while officials reported at least 30 residential buildings destroyed in just a few days. Israel’s Defense Forces said over 500 targets had been hit, including Hamas tunnels, weapons storage areas, and sniper positions.

The Israeli army has ordered civilians to evacuate Gaza City and head south. Around 250,000 Palestinians have already fled, but hundreds of thousands remain trapped. Some fear the south is unsafe as Israeli strikes have also hit there, while others simply cannot afford to leave.

Voices from Gaza

Displaced people in Gaza shared their struggles. "The bombardment intensified everywhere, we took down the tents, more than 20 families, we do not know where to go," said Musbah al-Kafarna, one of many civilians forced to move repeatedly.

Civilian Crisis and Rising Death Toll

The Hamas-run health ministry reported that 68 bodies of people killed in Israeli attacks arrived at hospitals within a single day. Since famine was confirmed in Gaza City in August, at least 144 people have died from hunger and malnutrition, according to local officials. Israel disputes these figures, saying it is working to expand aid delivery.

The humanitarian situation is worsening quickly, with the UN warning that further military escalation could create an even deeper catastrophe in Gaza.

Background of the War

The war began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported that more than 64,800 people have been killed in Israeli strikes.