The UNHRC announced an urgent debate on Israel’s “military aggression” in Qatar, after Pakistan and Kuwait requested it on behalf of Islamic blocs
Tel Aviv
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held three hours of talks in West Jerusalem on Monday as tensions deepened over Israel’s strike on Qatar and the war in Gaza. Netanyahu said Rubio’s visit showed that “America stands with Israel in face of terror.” Both leaders vowed to act jointly for security.
Rubio backed Israel’s stance, declaring that Hamas “must cease to exist as an armed element.” A day earlier, Rubio and US envoy Mike Huckabee visited the Western Wall, highlighting strong bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) announced an urgent debate today over Israel’s “military aggression” in Qatar, following requests from Pakistan and Kuwait on behalf of Islamic blocs. Israel and the US, who earlier boycotted the council, have rejected its findings in past Gaza-related resolutions.
On the ground, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsened. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported seven infant deaths at Nasser Hospital due to siege and starvation. Overall, at least 422 people, including 145 children, have died from hunger. Israeli airstrikes continue to hit Gaza City, killing dozens more.
Controversy grew as Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed building luxury housing for Israeli police over Gaza’s ruins, vowing to “finish the mission” and encourage emigration. Families of Israeli captives demanded clarity from the military, after reports Netanyahu withheld next-step plans.
Separately, 80 civil society groups, led by Oxfam, launched a campaign urging countries to ban trade with Israeli settlements, citing oppression in the West Bank. Rubio is also set to attend the launch of a controversial tunnel project beneath East Jerusalem’s Silwan neighborhood.