US Secretary of State meets Netanyahu in Jerusalem

New Delhi, Sep 15: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, with Israel’s recent strike in Qatar expected to dominate discussions.

The attack, which targeted senior Hamas leaders on the territory of a close US ally, sparked international condemnation and heightened tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv.

The meeting coincides with an Arab leaders’ summit in support of Qatar, which has urged the international community to hold Israel accountable.

Qatar, host to a major US airbase, has played a central role in mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas.

Rubio’s visit also comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza.

Israeli forces have stepped up demolitions in Gaza City and are reportedly preparing ground operations in the western parts of the city.

The military has ordered mass evacuations, though many residents remain amid continued bombardments in both northern and southern areas of the strip.

The meeting precedes the UN General Assembly session next week, where several US allies are anticipated to recognise Palestinian statehood.