Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sep 15: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday morning for a two-day visit focused on the escalating war in Gaza and the ongoing hostage crisis. He was accompanied by his wife Jeanette and received at Ben Gurion Airport by US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet.

Rubio met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon after landing and later visited the Western Wall with their spouses, offering prayers for the safety of hostages and for US President Donald Trump. “I think his visit here is a testament to the resilience and strength of the American-Israeli alliance, which is as durable and strong as the stones of the Western Wall that we just touched,” Netanyahu said. He thanked Rubio for his support, saying the alliance under Trump and Rubio was “stronger than ever.”

According to the US State Department, Rubio will hold a formal bilateral meeting with Netanyahu on Monday at 10 am, followed by a joint press statement in Jerusalem at 1.55 pm. He is also scheduled to meet families of hostages still held by Hamas.

Rubio said his priorities include securing the hostages’ return, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas. “Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal,” he posted on social media before departing the US.

Meanwhile, Palestinian officials reported that Israeli forces destroyed at least 30 residential buildings in Gaza City, displacing thousands. Israel said the operation aims to eliminate Hamas, which it calls a key security threat, as its military prepares for a ground offensive.

Rubio is expected to underscore Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security and discuss the planned Gaza City operation and regional stability, while also highlighting the urgency of releasing the 48 hostages still held by Hamas, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.