By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to reiterate Washington’s assist for its ally, and the 2 additionally mentioned Iran and Israeli hostages in Gaza, the State Division mentioned.
The decision was Rubio’s first with Israel because the administration of Republican President Donald Trump took workplace on Monday. Trump and his predecessor, Democratic former President Joe Biden, have each been supporters of Israel throughout its wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Rubio underscored that “maintaining the United States’ steadfast support for Israel is a top priority for Trump,” the State Division mentioned in an announcement.
Rubio instructed Netanyahu that Washington will proceed to work “tirelessly” to assist free the remaining hostages in Gaza, the State Division added.
The most recent bloodshed within the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian battle was triggered on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, in keeping with Israeli tallies.
Israel’s subsequent army assault on Gaza has killed greater than 47,000 Palestinians, the Gaza well being ministry says, whereas additionally resulting in accusations of genocide and battle crimes that Israel denies. The assault displaced almost the complete inhabitants of Gaza and precipitated a starvation disaster.
A ceasefire went into impact on Sunday and has led to the discharge of some Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Rights teams have criticized the mounting humanitarian disaster from Israel’s army assault. Washington has maintained its assist, saying it’s serving to its ally in its protection towards Iran-backed militant teams together with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
“The Secretary also conveyed that he looks forward to addressing the threats posed by Iran and pursuing opportunities for peace,” the State Division mentioned.
