U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Qatar on Tuesday, shortly after he cautioned that a “short window” remains to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. His visit coincided with Israel’s announcement that it had initiated the main phase of its ground assault on Gaza City.
Rubio’s visit follows days after Israeli airstrikes in Doha targeted Hamas leaders, which Qatar condemned as “cowardly and treacherous.” The attacks drew widespread international criticism and intensified concerns about a broader regional conflict.
During his flight to Doha, Rubio told reporters that Qatar remains the sole credible mediator capable of ending the conflict. “If there’s any country in the world that could help end this through a negotiation, it’s Qatar,” he said.
Response from Arab and Muslim Leaders
His arrival followed an emergency summit in Doha where Arab and Muslim leaders pledged to activate a joint defense pact. They called for coordinated action against Israeli aggression and urged nations to review their ties with Israel, impose diplomatic and economic measures, and pursue legal action.
Escalation in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Gaza City was “on fire” as ground forces advanced deeper into the enclave. According to Wafa news agency, at least 24 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed in strikes on Tuesday morning.
Rubio warned that the opportunity for a ceasefire was quickly fading. “We don’t have months anymore. We probably have days, maybe weeks,” he said, emphasizing that the U.S. is seeking a negotiated settlement that includes the demilitarization of Hamas.
The visit took place after Rubio’s meeting on Monday in West Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he reaffirmed Washington’s “unwavering support” for Israel. Hours later, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly rejected any further Israeli strikes inside Qatar after Netanyahu refused to rule them out.
Despite the tensions, Rubio mentioned that the U.S. and Qatar are close to finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, underscoring the “close partnership” between the two nations. He is scheduled to meet with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during his visit.
