Far-right members of Netanyahu’s Cupboard have known as for annexation of the occupied West Financial institution to preclude a state, triggering protests by the United Arab Emirates, which took the landmark step of recognising Israel 5 years in the past.
Netanyahu mentioned Rubio’s go to was a “clear message” the US stood with Israel, and known as Trump “the best good friend that Israel has ever had”.
Washington’s prime diplomat, standing alongside the Israeli premier, mentioned “the individuals of Gaza deserve a greater future”.
“However that higher future can not start till Hamas is eradicated,” Rubio mentioned at a joint press convention.
The Oct 7 assault by Hamas resulted within the deaths of 1,219 individuals, most of them civilians, in accordance with an AFP tally of official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory marketing campaign in Gaza has killed greater than 64,900 individuals, additionally principally civilians, in accordance with figures from the well being ministry that the UN considers dependable.
Rubio met privately with hostages’ households, who’ve campaigned arduous for his or her launch.
Of the 251 individuals taken hostage by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 47 stay in Gaza, together with 25 the Israeli navy says are useless.
RUBIO TOURS EAST JERUSALEM
In a extremely symbolic step, Rubio late on Monday attended the inauguration of a tunnel for non secular vacationers that goes beneath the Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan to the holy websites.
