Rubio in Qatar after stressing urgency for Gaza agreement

DOHA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Qatar on Tuesday, shortly after cautioning that only a “short window” remains to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel announced it had begun the main phase of its ground assault on Gaza City.

Rubio’s visit comes days after Israeli airstrikes targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, attacks that Qatar condemned as “cowardly and treacherous.”
The strikes drew widespread international criticism and deepened concerns about regional escalation.

During his flight to Doha, Rubio said the Gulf state remains the only credible mediator capable of brokering an end to the conflict.

“If there’s any country in the world that could help end this through a negotiation, it’s Qatar,” he told reporters.

His arrival followed an emergency summit in Doha where Arab and Muslim leaders pledged to activate a joint defence pact and called for coordinated action against Israeli aggression.

The summit’s final statement urged countries to review ties with Israel, impose economic and diplomatic measures, and pursue legal action.

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Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said Gaza City was “on fire” as ground forces pushed further 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 slipping away. “We don’t have months anymore. We probably have days, maybe weeks,” he said, stressing that the US seeks a negotiated settlement that includes Hamas demilitarising.

The visit followed Rubio’s Monday meeting in West Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he reaffirmed Washington’s “unwavering support” for Israel. Hours later, US President Donald Trump publicly rejected any further Israeli strikes inside Qatar after Netanyahu declined to rule them out.

Despite tensions, Rubio said the US and Qatar are close to finalising an enhanced defence cooperation agreement, underscoring the two nations’ “close partnership.” He is expected to meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during his visit.