US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Saturday as Washington tries to manage tensions with regional allies following Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar and its new settlement push in the West Bank, Reuters reported.

Rubio reaffirmed US support for Israel but warned the strike risked undermining hostage talks and ceasefire efforts mediated by Qatar. He said securing the release of 48 hostages held by Hamas remains a priority, alongside planning for Gaza’s reconstruction.

The visit comes ahead of President Trump’s trip to London and the UN, where France and Britain are expected to back Palestinian statehood — a move opposed by Washington, which fears it could strengthen Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s settlement expansion plan has also unsettled Gulf partners, particularly the UAE, raising questions about the future of the Abraham Accords.

Israel’s two-year war in Gaza has left more than 64,000 Palestinians dead, fueling accusations of genocide and deepening the humanitarian crisis, according to Reuters.