Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Sep 16: Israel intensified its offensive on Gaza City on Tuesday, witnesses told AFP, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jerusalem, where he expressed full support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s campaign aimed at eradicating Hamas.
Rubio, standing alongside Netanyahu, said, “The people of Gaza deserve a better future. But that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated.” His remarks came despite US President Donald Trump earlier criticising Israeli airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar. Rubio dismissed Qatari-brokered ceasefire efforts and labelled Hamas, responsible for the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, as “barbaric animals.”
Hours after Rubio’s visit, witnesses in Gaza City reported “heavy, relentless bombing,” with homes destroyed and civilians trapped under rubble. Mahmud Bassal of Gaza’s civil defence said strikes were also hitting Khan Yunis, adding that casualties continue to rise. Media restrictions make independent verification difficult.
Rubio’s visit comes ahead of a UN summit in France, where several US allies are expected to recognise Palestinian statehood—a move Netanyahu opposes, calling it symbolic and warning Israel may take “unilateral steps” in response. Far-right members of his cabinet have proposed annexing the West Bank, prompting UAE protests.
Since the October 7 Hamas attack, which killed 1,219 people, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has claimed more than 64,900 lives, mostly civilians, according to UN-recognised health ministry figures. Rubio also met privately with families of hostages, of whom 47 remain in Gaza.
In a symbolic gesture, Rubio inaugurated a tunnel in east Jerusalem’s Silwan neighbourhood for religious tourism, a move criticised by local Palestinians who accused Israel of demolishing homes and erasing history. Rubio also visited the Western Wall, calling Jerusalem the “eternal capital” of Israel, reflecting a bold US endorsement of Israeli sovereignty over contested areas.
This high-profile US-Israel alignment underscores growing international tensions as the Gaza conflict escalates and diplomatic efforts face mounting challenges.