US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday during a visit to Israel that Washington would provide its ally with "unwavering support" in its fight in the Gaza Strip, and called for the elimination of Hamas - the Palestinian group that the United States (US) and the European Union consider a terrorist organization.
"The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but it cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated," Rubio told reporters, speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"You can count on our unwavering support and commitment to making this goal a reality," Rubio added.
Netanyahu called Rubio's visit a "clear message" that the US stands with Israel, and praised President Donald Trump as "the greatest friend Israel has ever had."
The US Secretary of State has criticized plans by some Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state, saying such a move only "emboldens" Hamas.
Rubio said he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Israel's plans to take control of Gaza City - the territory's largest urban center - as well as talks about annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, to prevent the formation of a Palestinian state.
He added that President Trump wants the war in Gaza "to end" - which, according to Rubio, means releasing the hostages and eliminating Hamas as a threat.
The war began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1.219 people were killed, mostly civilians.
The Israeli military response in Gaza has so far led to the deaths of more than 64.800 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry – figures considered credible by the United Nations.
President Trump, a longtime strong ally of Netanyahu, has also expressed support for Qatar, which hosts the largest US air base in the region.
Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, is leading efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas.
Rubio began his visit on Sunday with a symbolic gesture of support, walking with Netanyahu to the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
He then declared that Jerusalem was the "eternal capital" of Israel - a stance that American leaders before Donald Trump's first term had sought to avoid.
Trump just moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, breaking with previous international practice.
Rubio is scheduled to participate in the inauguration of a tourist tunnel on Monday that runs under the Palestinian neighborhood of Silvan. The project has raised concerns among Palestinian residents that it could further weaken their presence and even threaten the foundations of their homes.
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