US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday for an official visit, days after an Israeli missile strike targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar's capital Doha. Rubio is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a post on the US social media platform X before his trip, Rubio wrote: "On my way to Jerusalem. My focus will be on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas." On Tuesday, Israel struck a residential compound in Doha housing Hamas leaders, killing five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. Qatar, alongside Egypt and the US, has been mediating indirect talks between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a prisoner-hostage exchange and a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Israel's war on the enclave since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians and devastated the territory. Israel says 48 of its nationals remain captive in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel under what rights groups describe as harsh conditions of torture, starvation, and medical neglect. — Agencies
