Rubio Urges Qatar’s Role in Gaza Peace as Israel Intensifies Offensive

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday urged Qatar to continue its role in mediating the Gaza conflict, speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Qatar, a key U.S. ally, has been co-mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas but expressed anger last week after an Israeli strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders.

Rubio stressed that Qatar could help secure the release of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, dismantle Hamas, and support a better future for Palestinians. Netanyahu, however, signaled no change in strategy, saying further strikes on Hamas leaders “wherever they are” remain possible.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensified operations in Gaza City, killing at least 16 Palestinians in strikes on two homes and a tent sheltering a displaced family. The military also demolished Gaza’s tallest 16-floor building, which it claimed concealed “terrorist infrastructure.” Local authorities reported mass displacement, with at least 350,000 residents fleeing since mid-August. Hamas said thousands of homes and tents have been destroyed, though figures remain unverified.

The humanitarian crisis deepened as Gaza’s health ministry confirmed three more deaths from starvation in 24 hours, raising the toll to at least 425, including 145 children. The United Nations and aid groups accuse Israel of forcing mass displacement under dire conditions in so-called humanitarian zones.

At the same time, Arab leaders met in Doha to discuss Israel’s strike on Qatar, warning it threatens regional stability and normalization efforts. Despite this, many Palestinians voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of Arab summits.

According to local authorities, Israel’s nearly two-year campaign has killed more than 64,000 people in Gaza since Hamas’s October 2023 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel, calling Hamas “savage terrorists” and insisting the group must be eliminated.