Rubio and Netanyahu Demand Hamas Destruction Amid Gaza Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed their commitment to eliminating Hamas during a meeting in Jerusalem on October 16, 2023. They emphasized that peace in Gaza hinges on the complete destruction of the militant group and the release of all hostages. This stance comes despite increasing calls for a ceasefire and growing international condemnation of Israel’s military actions.

Rubio’s visit aimed to clarify Israel’s military strategy in Gaza and assess Qatar’s potential role as a mediator following Israel’s recent strike on Hamas leaders in Doha. Both leaders stated that no peace can be achieved while Hamas continues to exist, labeling the organization as a “barbaric” force. “As long as they’re around, there will be no peace in this region because they are not agents of peace,” Rubio stated.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza City has intensified, with operations targeting what it claims are Hamas strongholds. Airstrikes on October 16 resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including children, according to officials at Shifa Hospital. The Israeli government has ordered the evacuation of several high-rise buildings, which it alleges are used by Hamas for military purposes.

The backdrop of Rubio’s visit includes tensions between the U.S. and Israel, particularly over the airstrike in Doha that reportedly killed six people. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction regarding the lack of U.S. notification prior to the attack. Despite this, Rubio’s discussions with Netanyahu highlighted a unified front against Hamas. “Your presence here in Israel today is a clear message that America stands with Israel,” Netanyahu remarked.

Concerns have also arisen regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, where several countries, including European nations and Canada, are expected to support such a measure. Rubio criticized the potential recognition, arguing that it undermines peace efforts by emboldening Hamas. “It actually serves as an impediment to peace,” he said. Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, reaffirming his opposition to any recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with the death toll in Gaza exceeding 64,871, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Amidst calls for humanitarian access, many Palestinians are struggling to find shelter as they evacuate from areas targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Although Israel has designated southern Gaza as a humanitarian zone, space is limited, and many families lack the resources to relocate.

The conflict escalated following a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 individuals. Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli intelligence estimating that 20 of them are still alive.

As the situation continues to evolve, both Rubio and Netanyahu remain focused on the immediate goal of dismantling Hamas, with little indication of a shift in strategy from Israel’s military operations in Gaza City.