Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Rubio states Hamas ‘must cease to exist’ during Israel visit

Rubio says UN backing two-state solution makes it harder to end war
  • Marco Rubio met Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, pledging unwavering US support for Israel's war in Gaza.
  • The meeting followed international outrage over Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, with Rubio stating Hamas must cease to exist.
  • Rubio also asserted that moves to recognise Palestine would not bring closer a Palestinian state.
  • President Trump conveyed his disquiet regarding the attacks on Qatar, though Rubio affirmed the strong US-Israel relationship would not change.
  • The visit took place amidst continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza and international accusations of war crimes against Israel.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in