US Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed on Monday that Washington would provide “unwavering support” to Israel in achieving its goals in Gaza as he called for the eradication of Hamas. “The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated,” Rubio said at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “You can count on our unwavering support and commitment to see it come to fruition.”

For his part, Netanyahu said the visit by US Secretary of State Rubio was a “clear message” that the United States stood with Israel. He added that Trump “is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.”

He said, “Our decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar was an independent Israeli decision, and we bear full responsibility for the attack.” When asked about the outcome of the strike in Doha, Netanyahu said Israel was still gathering reports. “But the strike sent a clear message to Hamas leaders: ‘You can try to run, but we will find you,’” he said.

He further went on to say, “Recognizing a Palestinian state is a unilateral step, and this means that there will be unilateral steps on our part.” (AFP)