Your support helps us to tell the story
Read more
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Marco Rubio promised that the US would offer its “unwavering support” to Israel in its war in Gaza as he met with Benjamin Netanyahu following an Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar.
The US secretary of state said that Hamas “must cease to exist”, as Washington attempted to contain the fallout from the strike on Doha, which sparked international outrage.
His statement of support follows Mr Rubio’s arrival in Jerusalem on Sunday, with the politicians expected to address international outrage following Israeli airstrikes on Qatar, the state’s planned ground invasion of Gaza City and the rapid expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.
“Hamas needs to cease to exist as an armed element that can threaten the peace and security of the region,” Mr Rubio said at the press conference. He added that moves to recognise Palestine have “no impact in bringing us closer to a Palestinian state”.
The UN Human Rights Council is set to hold an urgent debate following Israel’s strikes on Qatar, which Israel said were aimed at Hamas leadership in Doha.
RECOMMENDED
Jay Slater sent warning to friend in haunting final Snapchat message
Undo
Strictly stars ‘confirm’ romance one year after competing on...
Undo
New Electric Cars Come With Tiny Price Tags (Take A Look)FrequentSearches | Search Ads |
Undo
Doctors Say This Is the #1 Mistake Men Make When Trying to Lose Weight After 45primalhealthsecrets |
Undo
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
The prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, said on Sunday: “The time has come for the international community to stop using double standards and to punish Israel for all the crimes it has committed.”
open image in gallery
Marco Rubio and Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem(Reuters)
Qatar boasts the largest US military base in the Middle East and has played a vital diplomatic role during the conflict, brokering hostage release and ceasefire deals for nearly two years.
Mr Rubio’s visit comes ahead of the UN General Assembly summit, which will take place next week. America’s allies, including the UK, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium, are expected to recognise Palestine as a state at the meeting.
Mr Netanyahu accompanied Mr Rubio and the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, on a visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem over the weekend, saying the US-Israel alliance “has never been stronger”.
“It’s as strong, as durable as the stones in the Western Wall that we just touched,” he continued, as the pair wrote prayers on pieces of paper and placed them between the bricks.
Mr Rubio remained silent in response to Mr Netanyahu’s comments on Sunday but relayed US president Donald Trump’s disquiet with the attacks on Qatar.
“Obviously we're not happy about it,” he said ahead of the visit. “The president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next.”
He emphasised that the action was “not going to change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis”.
President Trump warned Israel to act with caution on Sunday, saying: “My message is that they have to be very, very careful. They have to do something about Hamas, but Qatar has been a great ally to the United States.”
open image in gallery
Donald Trump warned Israel to be ‘very careful’ following its attacks on Qatar(PA)
A State Department spokesperson on Sunday reiterated Mr Rubio’s pride at visiting the site, which emphasised “America’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital”.
While officially administered by Israel, many Palestinians also claim the city as their capital. Hamas condemned the visit as an assault on the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa mosque inside the compound.
As talks got underway, Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continued, with 16 Palestinians reported killed on Monday.
The country’s military campaign has drawn international criticism and outrage, with at least 64, 871 Palestinians killed – including at least 20,000 children, according to Save the Children.
RECOMMENDED
Duchess of York wrote to ‘supreme friend’ Epstein after insisting she had cut ties
Undo
Balloons released in memory of young boy after remains found in search
Undo
The best walking shoes are suitable for men to wear all day.Bestbestones |
Undo
The New Reading Glasses Taking Los Angeles by StormSherum |
Undo
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
Israel has been accused of genocide by rights groups and is in active proceedings at the International Court of Justice, while an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court for Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes.
The Israeli government has called the accusations a form of antisemitism and “blood libel”, and has denied all claims, stating that it aims to destroy Hamas after the group killed nearly 1,200 people on 7 October 2023 and continues to hold 48 hostages.