US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the City of David archaeological park in Jerusalem on Monday, signaling strong backing for an excavation led by Jewish settlers beneath the Temple Mount—known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. Critics warn the project could hinder the prospect of a future Palestinian state.
This tour marks another shift in long-standing US policy after the 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the embassy move from Tel Aviv. Ahead of a UN meeting in New York—where Britain, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium are set to recognize a Palestinian state—Rubio’s visit underscores Washington’s recalibrated stance on one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Rubio began his trip at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site, and explored the adjacent Western Wall tunnels—an Israeli excavation that has drawn UN criticism. By highlighting these sites, the US delegation is seen as strengthening Israel’s cultural claims in Jerusalem.
Heading to Doha for Gaza Talks
After Jerusalem, Rubio flew to Doha to urge the Gulf state to play a “constructive role” in the Gaza crisis. He called on Doha to help secure the release of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, disarm Hamas, and support rebuilding efforts for Gaza people.
But alongside these diplomatic calls, recent statements by Prime Minister Netanyahu and US officials suggest a major military operation is on the horizon. Israeli forces launched a ground offensive in Gaza City Monday, intensifying the humanitarian emergency for over 2 million residents.
Meanwhile, an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha condemned Israel’s recent strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar and affirmed solidarity with the Gulf state. As diplomacy and conflict collide, young global citizens will be watching closely: Can fresh talks ease tensions, or is a deeper clash inevitable?
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Rubio visits Jerusalem site to support Israel, urges Qatar aid Gaza
cgtn.com
