U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Visits Israel Amid Intensified Gaza Strikes

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday as the country intensified its military operations in northern Gaza, leading to the destruction of a high-rise building and the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians. Rubio's visit aims to discuss the future of Gaza following Israel's recent attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar, which disrupted ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

The two-day visit also serves to demonstrate support for Israel amid increasing international isolation, as the United Nations prepares for a contentious debate on the recognition of a Palestinian state—a move strongly opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rubio's trip proceeds despite President Donald Trump's dissatisfaction with Israel's strike in Doha, which reportedly occurred without prior U.S. notification. Prior to his arrival in Israel, Rubio and Trump met with Qatar's prime minister to address the repercussions of the Israeli operation. These consecutive meetings underscore the administration's efforts to balance relations between key Middle Eastern allies amid widespread international condemnation of the attack.

The Doha strike appears to have halted attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages ahead of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session, where the Gaza conflict is expected to be a primary focus.

On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes across Gaza resulted in at least 13 Palestinian deaths and numerous injuries, according to local hospitals. Targets included a vehicle near Shifa hospital, a roundabout in Gaza City, and a tent in Deir al-Balah, where six members of the same family were killed. The Israeli military has not provided immediate comments on these strikes.

As part of its expanding operation in Gaza City, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise residential building in the Rimal neighborhood on Sunday morning, shortly after issuing an evacuation order online. Residents reported that the Kauther tower was flattened, with no immediate reports of casualties.

Separately, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that two Palestinian adults died from malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of such deaths to 277 since late June. Additionally, 145 children have died from malnutrition-related causes since the conflict began in October 2023.

The Gaza war commenced on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants entered southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 people. Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel believing that 20 are still alive. Israel's retaliatory offensive has led to at least 64,803 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not specify the number of civilians versus combatants. Approximately half of those killed were women and children. Large portions of major cities have been destroyed, and around 90% of Gaza's 2 million residents have been displaced.