Rubio changes schedule to visit Qatar after Israel, 'Post' learns - Amichai Stein, Reuters

 

by Amichai Stein, Reuters

Rubio was originally scheduled to travel to the UK after leaving Tel Aviv.

 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio takes part in a media briefing during the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 10, 2025.

(photo credit: MANDEL NGAN/POOL VIA REUTERS)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Qatar on Tuesday, after concluding his visit to Israel, The Jerusalem Post confirmed. 

The Gulf kingdom is currently hosting an Arab-Islamic summit.

Rubio was originally scheduled to travel to the UK after leaving Tel Aviv.

Rubio urges Qatar to keep helping with Gaza as Israel fights terrorists

Rubio on Monday called on Qatar to continue to play a constructive role in resolving the Gaza conflict, speaking in Jerusalem on the same day that Arab leaders were meeting in Doha to respond to an Israeli strike.

Qatar, a US ally that has been co-mediating talks between Israel and the Palestinian terror group Hamas, was angered last week by Israel's attack on its capital, which targeted Hamas leaders who reside there.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hold a joint press conference at the Prime Minister's Office, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025 (credit: Nathan Howard/Reuters)

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his office in Jerusalem, Rubio said Qatar could help reach the goals of releasing all 48 hostages still held in Gaza, disarming Hamas, and building a better future for Gazans.

"And so we're going to continue to encourage Qatar to play a constructive role in that regard," Rubio said.

Netanyahu, who has not backed down an inch since the Doha strike drew widespread condemnation, said he did not rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders "wherever they are."

This comes amid the IDF continuing its operation in Gaza City, including striking several high-rise buildings over the past few days.

Rubio gave strong backing to Israel, which has grown increasingly isolated on the world stage.

"As much as we may wish that there be a peaceful, diplomatic way to end it, and we'll continue to explore and be dedicated to it, we also have to be prepared for the possibility that's not going to happen," Rubio said. He also referred to Hamas as "savage terrorists."

"Hamas needs to cease to exist as an armed element that can threaten the peace and security of the region," he added. 

Amichai Stein, Reuters

Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-867537

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