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Mediation

US and Israel Unite Against International Criticism of Gaza Assault

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed a unified front on Monday in the face of growing international anger over Israel's airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar and its intensifying bombardment of Gaza City. They downplayed the furor, attributing it to Hamas's entrenchment in populated areas and emphasizing the need to eliminate the militant group to end the conflict. Rubio planned a quick visit to Qatar on Tuesday to ease tensions between the US and its ally, while Netanyahu rejected calls for an interim ceasefire, advocating for an immediate end to the conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and Israel displayed a united stance against international criticism over the Gaza assault, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplaying the furor.
  • Rubio attributed the criticism to Hamas's entrenchment in populated areas, emphasizing the need to eliminate the militant group to end the conflict.
  • Netanyahu rejected calls for an interim ceasefire, advocating for an immediate end to the conflict, citing the need to eliminate Hamas.
  • Rubio plans to visit Qatar on Tuesday to ease tensions between the US and its ally, ahead of his state visit to Britain with President Donald Trump.
  • Israel has destroyed multiple high-rise buildings in Gaza City, accusing Hamas of putting surveillance equipment in them without providing evidence.
  • The airstrikes have killed at least 18 people, including children, according to local hospitals, with Israel saying it targets only militants.
  • Rubio met with families of the hostages, who expressed concerns that Israel's latest offensive could doom their loved ones and called for swift negotiations.
  • The US and Israel reject calls for Palestinian state recognition, with Rubio suggesting it makes Hamas feel more emboldened and is an impediment to peace.
  • Israel has urged Palestinians in Gaza City to head south, but there is little space for people to shelter in the crowded tent camp of Muwasi.
  • Israel has increased the amount of food, medical equipment, and shelter supplies it allows into Gaza, including 20,000 tents brought in since May.

Statistics:

  • At least 64,871 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, with women and children making up around half the dead.
  • The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 hostages.
  • Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires brokered in part by Qatar or other deals.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit Qatar on Tuesday, and then fly to London to join President Donald Trump on his state visit to Britain.
  • Israel has destroyed at least 18 high-rise buildings in Gaza City, with at least 18 people killed in airstrikes, including children.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Fox News
  • Reuters
  • AP News
  • Gaza's Health Ministry
  • COGAT (Israeli military body in charge of civilian affairs in Gaza)
  • Al-Awda Hospital
  • Shifa Hospital
  • Mohammed Saber, resident in Gaza City
  • Netanyahu's office
  • Rubio's statement on Twitter
  • Qatar's government

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