Rubio Urges Qatar to Remain Mediator Following Israeli Strike

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio travelled to Qatar on Tuesday to encourage the Gulf state to continue its role as a mediator in Gaza, amid renewed Israeli air strikes targeting Hamas leaders. Rubio’s visit came one week after Israel conducted strikes in the emirate and while fresh attacks were ongoing in Gaza.

Key Statements by Rubio

• Qatar’s Role: “We’re going to ask Qatar to continue to do what they’ve done… play a constructive role in trying to bring this to an end,” Rubio told reporters as he departed Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport for Doha.
• Unique Position: He stressed that Qatar is in a “unique position” to help negotiate an end to the conflict, adding: “If there’s any country in the world that could help end this through a negotiation, it’s Qatar.”
• Ceasefire Outlook: Rubio expressed scepticism about a ceasefire deal but reaffirmed US support for Qatar’s mediation efforts.

The summit saw leaders of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council urge Washington to use its influence to rein in Israel.

Rubio avoided public criticism of Israel while in Israel and refrained from praising Qatar there. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott noted that in Doha, Rubio would reaffirm America’s full support for Qatar’s security and sovereignty following the strike.

Rubio backed Israel’s offensive on Gaza City and its goal of eradicating Hamas, casting doubt on whether diplomacy alone could resolve the conflict. After Rubio met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel launched a heavy overnight bombardment of Gaza City.