• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserts no change in US-Israel relations after Israel's strike on Qatar.
• The strike targeted Hamas leaders and resulted in casualties amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
• Rubio's visit aims to discuss humanitarian aid and hostage situations in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Israel's recent attack on Qatar, aimed at Hamas leaders, will not alter the established relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv. Rubio acknowledged, "The president was not happy about it," but emphasized the need for discussion on its impact on truce efforts in Gaza, where over 64,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023, according to trtglobal and Al Jazeera.

During a recent missile strike, Israel targeted a residential compound in Doha, killing five Hamas members and a Qatari security official engaged in discussing a new ceasefire proposal led by the US. This action has prompted wide condemnation among Arab states, with its repercussions disrupting ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, as detailed by AA and AA.

As Rubio begins his visit to Israel, he aims to address pressing issues like the return of hostages and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches affected civilians. He reiterated the US’s commitment to a future devoid of Hamas threat, which is central to the US strategy for rebuilding Gaza post-conflict. His discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu will focus on these critical topics and the implications of the military action in Qatar, reports trtglobal and Al Jazeera.