Despite reports of a rift following Israel’s failed attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, Marco Rubio reaffirmed the Trump administration’s strong support during a trip to Jerusalem.
Israel has sent a message that its impunity extends even to attacks on states that have close relations with Washington. They need only cry “HAMAS” and any act is acceptable.
In response to the Israeli attack on Qatar, which targeted senior Hamas officials in the country, the Trump administration said it “feels very bad.” The U.S. government claimed it notified Qatar of the impending attack, a claim Qatar denies.
Amid ongoing ceasefire talks, Israel attempted to assassinate the Hamas negotiating team in an airstrike on the Doha office of its lead negotiator, senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Hamas officials say the negotiating team survived the attack.
On the heels of Trump’s Gulf tour where he secured trillion dollar deals with Arab states, Israeli tech leaders are now trying to get in on the action.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s first trip to the Middle East made clear that Donald Trump is driving U.S. policy and largely adopting Israel’s belligerent stance in Gaza and Iran. The question remains whether the rest of the region can stop them.
Recent events in the Middle East show regional leaders shifting positions and alliances as they prepare to stave off a regional war under the unpredictable incoming Trump administration.
UN humanitarian officials say that thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are “just a step away from famine” by May. Russia calls on UNSC members to refrain from endorsing Washington’s resolution on Gaza, denouncing it as “a license to kill” for Israel.
Israel bombs near Egypt’s fortified wall with Rafah as talks resume to reach a captive exchange with Hamas. UN experts call for arms embargo against Israel and say states supplying weapons, ammunition or intelligence risk violating international law.
Potential ceasefire deal still at discussion stage, as U.S. President Joe Biden calls Hamas counter-proposal “a little over the top.” Israel continues to bomb Rafah and Khan Younis in Gaza, as Israeli forces raid the West Bank, killing one teenager.