Rubio says Israeli strike on Gaza did not breach ceasefire
Aboard Air Force One — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday that Washington does not consider Israel’s recent airstrike in Gaza a violation of the ongoing U.S.-backed ceasefire.
According to Israeli authorities, the strike targeted a member of Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group, who was allegedly planning an attack against Israeli forces. Islamic Jihad has denied those claims.
Speaking to reporters aboard President Donald Trump’s plane during a trip to Asia, Rubio said:
“We don’t view that as a violation of the ceasefire.”
He emphasized that Israel maintains its right to self-defense under the truce mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar — an agreement that led to the release of the last remaining living hostages held by Hamas earlier this month.
“They have the right if there’s an imminent threat to Israel, and all the mediators agree with that,” Rubio added.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in effect more than two years after the conflict erupted. Rubio also reiterated that Hamas must accelerate the return of the bodies of hostages who died while in captivity.
Saturday’s strike occurred shortly after Rubio’s departure from Israel, following a diplomatic visit intended to strengthen the fragile truce.
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