Rubio Arrives In Israel As Conflict Intensifies

Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Israel Sunday as Israeli forces flattened a Gaza City high-rise and killed at least 13 Palestinians in multiple strikes across the territory.

Rubio’s two-day visit comes days after an Israeli strike against Hamas leaders in Doha rattled diplomatic efforts and angered President Donald Trump, who said the United States received no advance warning of the operation, Politico reported. The secretary will press Israeli officials about their plans for Gaza’s future following the Qatar attack that derailed ceasefire negotiations.

The visit coincides with a United Nations debate on Palestinian statehood that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly opposes. Despite Trump’s frustration over the Doha strike, Rubio’s trip signals continued American support for Israel as international criticism mounts. (RELATED: ‘Absolutely Support The Killing Of Hamas’: Fetterman Supports Israel’s Attack)

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.

Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal. pic.twitter.com/60DWTkLSfC

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) September 13, 2025

Israeli forces gave residents less than an hour to evacuate before destroying the Kauther tower in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood Sunday morning. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted the warning online before the building collapsed, according to the outlet.

Strikes near Shifa hospital and a Gaza City roundabout killed multiple Palestinians, while six family members died when Israeli forces hit their tent in Deir al-Balah. The family had fled Beit Hanoun last week.

Gaza’s health ministry reported two more adults died from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the starvation-related death toll to 277 since June.

The war began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages. Israel’s response has killed at least 64,803 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the outlet reported. Twenty of the 48 remaining hostages are believed alive. About 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents have fled their homes.