Jerusalem: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the people of Gaza "deserve a better future," but that future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated. Rubio made the remarks during a press conference after meeting with Prime Minister of the Israeli occupation Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Rubio stated that the United States remains committed to President Donald Trump's goals of securing the release of all hostages, both living and dead. He mentioned that Washington is focusing on the role Qatar can play in efforts to free hostages held in Gaza.
Rubio was also questioned about Israel's strike in Doha, to which he responded that the United States maintains strong ties with Gulf allies and is "focused on what happens next." He noted that Western nations considering recognition of a Palestinian state had been warned of Israel's possible response.
Regarding Iran, Rubio highlighted that the country possesses long-range missiles that threaten regional and European stability. He further emphasized that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons poses an unacceptable danger to the world.
Netanyahu, for his part, stated that the attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar was an independent Israeli decision and did not rule out further strikes anywhere. He acknowledged that the United States is Israel's strongest ally and noted that their alliance is "at its best."