Both leaders dismissed proposals for a temporary truce, insisting only Hamas’s defeat would bring peace.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the United States on Monday rejected mounting international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza, declaring that the war can only end with the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented a united front in Jerusalem, even as global outrage deepened over Israel’s airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar and its ongoing bombardment of Gaza City.
“We still have Hamas, we still have hostages, and we still have a war,” Rubio said. “All those things must be dealt with. We hope Qatar and our Gulf partners will contribute constructively.”
Netanyahu hailed Rubio’s visit as a signal of Washington’s unwavering support. “Your presence here is a clear message that America stands with Israel in the face of terror,” he said.
Both leaders dismissed proposals for a temporary truce, insisting only Hamas’s defeat would bring peace.
The conflict escalated further after an Israeli strike in Doha killed at least five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, disrupting mediation efforts. Hamas, in turn, demanded a permanent ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza as conditions for freeing hostages.
In Gaza, Israeli air raids leveled another high-rise building overnight. Health officials at Shifa Hospital reported 14 dead, including children. One strike hit a family tent, killing seven, while another claimed the life of journalist Mohammed al-Kuifi.
“It was another night of horror,” said resident Mohammed Saber. “The situation is tragic and worsening by the day.”
Israel maintained it was targeting militants, blaming Hamas for civilian casualties by embedding fighters in populated areas.
Rubio, who will travel to Qatar Tuesday before joining President Donald Trump in London, defended Israel ahead of expected criticism at the UN General Assembly. He condemned moves by some European nations and Canada to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing such steps embolden Hamas.
Netanyahu echoed the warning: “If unilateral actions are taken against us, they simply invite unilateral actions on our part.”
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