US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and underscored Washington’s support for Israel, the State Department said, reports Al Jazeera.
Rubio also spoke with Netanyahu about Gaza and US tariffs on Israel recently unveiled by President Trump.
The Axios news outlet reported earlier, citing four anonymous sources, that Netanyahu plans to visit the White House on Monday to discuss Gaza and US tariffs, and wants “to reach an understanding with Trump about striking Iran’s nuclear facilities when diplomacy fails”.
Israel has resumed its attacks in Gaza on March 18, shattering a two-month ceasefire after talks with Hamas broke down over the next phase of the agreement.
Isoraeli prime minister Netanyahu wants Hamas to release the 59 remaining Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and aid, but without Israel committing to end the war or pull out troops. For a final ceasefire deal, Netanyahu insists Hamas must disarm – a demand the group calls a “red line” – and has openly backed plans for Israel to seize security control of Gaza and push Palestinians out.
Hamas calls for a return to the previously agreed three-stage ceasefire framework and has offered to free all the captives at once in return for a permanent ceasefire.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s war in Gaza has killed 50,523 Palestinians and wounded 114,638. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led October 7 attacks and more than 200 taken captive.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
