Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that eliminating Hamas leaders is the only way to bring the war in Gaza to an end. Speaking on Saturday, Netanyahu argued that Hamas’ leadership in Qatar has deliberately prolonged the conflict by blocking all ceasefire initiatives, accusing them of showing no regard for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. He stressed that removing them would eliminate what he described as the key obstacle to releasing Israeli hostages and achieving peace.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

His remarks came just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ahead of his visit to Israel, stated that Washington’s alliance with Tel Aviv remained firm despite unease in the White House over Israel’s recent strike targeting Hamas figures in Qatar. Rubio acknowledged that President Donald Trump was “not happy” about the strike but maintained that it would not alter the “nature of the relationship” between both nations, while noting that discussions would continue on how such actions might impact fragile truce negotiations.

Talks of a ceasefire remain stalled, even as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center. Over recent days, Israeli forces have ordered residents to evacuate while demolishing high-rise buildings allegedly used by Hamas. While thousands have fled, aid agencies report that hundreds of thousands remain trapped under worsening conditions. The United Nations estimates that around one million people still live in Gaza City and its surroundings, where famine has been declared, with officials blaming Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery.

Despite evacuating to southern Gaza, displaced residents continue to face heavy bombardments. Civilians, including families with children, describe the entire territory as unsafe. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that 32 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday alone, though independent verification remains difficult due to media restrictions and access challenges.

International pressure on Israel continues to mount. The UN General Assembly recently voted to revive the two-state solution, while key allies such as Britain, France, and Germany have called for an immediate halt to Israel’s offensive. Several European nations are also preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood in protest of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. Nevertheless, Israel retains the strong backing of the United States, its principal ally and arms supplier.

Ahead of his visit, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott reiterated that Rubio would reaffirm America’s opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, while also highlighting shared goals of ensuring Hamas is permanently removed from power and all hostages are returned.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces growing criticism from within Israel. Families of hostages accuse him of being the “one obstacle” to a ceasefire, alleging that he has repeatedly sabotaged efforts to secure the release of captives. Of the 251 hostages seized by Hamas during the October 2023 assault, 47 remain in Gaza, including at least 25 who are believed to have died.

Experts argue that the US administration is showing “alarming passivity” in pushing for a ceasefire, with analysts pointing to political and religious influences shaping Washington’s stance. Rubio is scheduled to meet Netanyahu and visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem as part of his trip.

The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 2023 attack that killed 1,219 people in Israel, has since devastated Gaza. According to the territory’s health ministry, at least 64,803 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israeli retaliatory strikes.