Tensions after Qatar attack: Rubio visits Israel

An Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar sparked international criticism – including from Washington. US President Donald Trump expressed "deep sadness" about the location of the attack and called Qatar a "strong ally and friend of the United States." But at the same time, the United States made it clear that its close relationship with Israel would remain unchanged.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio , who arrived in Israel for a visit this Sunday, emphasized: "This will not change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis." However, the impact on diplomatic efforts to end the war must be discussed. "Obviously, we weren't happy about it, the president wasn't happy about it," Rubio said.

On Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force attempted to kill the leadership of the radical Islamist Hamas in Qatar's capital, Doha. According to Hamas, the attack failed, and no member of the Hamas negotiating delegation was killed. Nevertheless, six people were killed. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel and numerous other countries, including the United States and Germany.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the killing of the Hamas leadership as a prerequisite for ending the war in the Gaza Strip . "Getting rid of them would remove the main obstacle to the release of all our hostages and ending the war," Netanyahu said.

Criticism of the Qatar attack from home and abroad

During his stay, Rubio also plans to meet with families of the hostages held in Gaza and visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem with Netanyahu. Trump, Rubio said, wants Hamas defeated and the war ended: "He wants all 48 hostages to come home, including those who died, and he wants that all at once."

Meanwhile, US partners such as the United Arab Emirates and Jordan also condemned the attack in Qatar. Nearly 60 Arab and Islamic states are meeting in the Gulf state today and on Monday to discuss a common stance toward Israel.

Criticism is also growing within Israel itself: The Hostage Families Forum accused Netanyahu of deliberately preventing agreements. "Every time an agreement appears on the horizon, Netanyahu sabotages it," it said in a statement.

Israeli government rejects two-state solution

Another sensitive issue during Rubio's visit to Israel is likely to be the possible Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank . This is due to the planned recognition of a Palestinian state by countries such as France , Belgium , and Canada at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Prime Minister Netanyahu signed an agreement on Thursday to develop a strategically important area in the West Bank and declared that there would be no Palestinian state. Rubio warned before his departure that the recognition of Palestine by various countries could lead to further Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank.

The Israeli government rejects a two-state solution and views international efforts to recognize Palestine as a "reward for Hamas." Right-wing ministers in Netanyahu's cabinet are calling for a full annexation of the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened that Israel will annex the territory if a Palestinian state is recognized.

Tens of thousands flee Gaza City

In recent days, Israel has expanded its offensive to capture the city of Gaza. According to the army, more than 250,000 people have fled to other parts of the Gaza Strip since then. The Hamas-controlled Civil Defense Agency, however, stated that only around 68,000 residents have managed to leave the city.

According to UN estimates, around one million people were still living in Gaza City and the surrounding area. The city is one of the last Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip.

The expansion of the Israeli offensive in Gaza has been sharply criticized internationally. The United Nations , which has declared famine in parts of the Gaza Strip, fears a worsening of the catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Numerous hostages still in Hamas hands

Hamas and its allies triggered the Israel-Hamas War with their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed in the major terrorist attack. 251 people were taken hostage to the Gaza Strip. Nearly 50 people are still being held by Hamas, 25 of whom are already dead, according to Israeli information.

In response to the Hamas attack, Israel has launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas authorities, more than 64,700 people have been killed so far. This figure cannot be independently verified.

pgr/wa/ack (afp, dpa)