Rubio promises Netanyahu “unwavering support” to ‘Israel’ in Gaza goals

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday, during a visit to ‘Israel’, that Washington would give its ally "unwavering support" in the Gaza war and called for Hamas's eradication.

"The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated," Rubio told reporters next to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"You can count on our unwavering support and commitment to see it come to fruition."

Netanyahu said Rubio's visit was a "clear message" the United States stood with ‘Israel’ and praised President Donald Trump for his backing, calling him the "greatest friend that Israel has ever had".

Rubio criticised plans by Western nations to recognise a Palestinian state, saying they "emboldened" Hamas.

"They're largely symbolic... the only impact they actually have is it makes Hamas feel more emboldened," he said.

Rubio had said he would discuss with Netanyahu ‘Israeli’ plans to seize Gaza City, the territory's largest urban centre, as well as the government's talk of annexing parts of the occupied West Bank in hopes of precluding a Palestinian state.

The secretary of state had also said Trump wanted the Gaza war to be "finished with" -- which would mean the release of captives and ensuring Hamas is "no longer a threat".

But talks were made more difficult last week when the Trump administration was caught off guard by an ‘Israeli’ attack in Qatar against Hamas leaders who were meeting to discuss a new US ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

"We sent a message to terrorists: you can run but you cannot hide," Netanyahu said Monday.

The "raid didn't fail. It had one central message."