• Marco Rubio's visit to a contentious archaeological site bolsters U.S. support for Israel's claims in East Jerusalem.
• The City of David site, operated by a settler group, faces criticism for its impact on Palestinians.
• Local activists argue that the excavations violate international norms and exacerbate tensions in the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited a divisive archaeological site in East Jerusalem, giving support to a Jewish settler-led project that critics argue undermines prospects for a future Palestinian state. This visit is perceived as an endorsement of initiatives that solidify Israel’s claims to East Jerusalem, an area Palestinians deem essential for a future state, according to SCMP, TRT Global, BBC, and Reuters.

The City of David archaeological park, located in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan underneath Jerusalem's Old City, has drawn international condemnation, particularly from UNESCO, for its construction without addressing local residents’ concerns. Critics argue that the site has become a focal point for settlement expansion in the area, which many countries and international bodies do not recognize as part of Israel, reports TRT Global and Reuters.

During his visit, Rubio inaugurated the "Pilgrimage Road," a tunnel believed to have historical significance linked to Jewish heritage, describing it as “perhaps one of the most important archaeological sites on the planet.” He emphasized his view that the site transcends politics, even as critics contend that his endorsement signals American complicity in the displacement of Palestinians, according to BBC and Reuters.

Local activists, including those from Silwan like Fakhri Abu Diab, have condemned the excavations for being conducted without proper consultation or transparency, arguing they violate international law regarding occupied territories. "This act by the United States gives the green light for more settlement expansion, demolitions, ethnic cleansing, and all the practices carried out by Israel," Abu Diab said, reflecting a broader sentiment among residents who have faced eviction and destruction of property, as shared by SCMP and BBC.

Israel's consistent policies in East Jerusalem aim to optimize control over the area, which has led to increased tensions and the perception of political backing from the U.S. administration. Rubio's visit accompanies a larger international context where countries like the UK, France, and Canada contemplate recognizing a Palestinian state—an act Israel firmly opposes, according to TRT Global and Reuters.