The United States has stated that an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, which targeted a member of the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, does not constitute a violation of the ongoing ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made this assertion during a recent trip to Asia, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense under the current circumstances.
On Saturday, Israel claimed it targeted an individual associated with Islamic Jihad, alleging that this person was planning an attack against Israeli forces. In response, Islamic Jihad denied any intentions of launching an attack. “We don’t view that as a violation of the ceasefire,” Rubio stated while aboard President Donald Trump‘s plane, indicating that Israel remains entitled to defend itself if faced with an imminent threat.
Under an agreement brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, a ceasefire has been in place for just over two years since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The deal notably included provisions for the release of hostages held in Gaza, a situation that has been central to ongoing negotiations. Rubio underscored that while the ceasefire obliges both sides to adhere to certain commitments, Israel’s right to self-defense is recognized by all mediators involved in the agreement.
Rubio also highlighted the urgency for Hamas to expedite the return of the remains of hostages who died while in captivity. This request reflects broader concerns surrounding humanitarian issues in the region and the need for compliance with international expectations.
The recent Israeli strike occurred shortly after Rubio concluded his visit to Israel, which aimed to reinforce the existing ceasefire and support diplomatic efforts in the area. The situation remains delicate, with tensions persisting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups.
In summary, the US government maintains that the Israeli strike is within the boundaries of the ceasefire agreement, reiterating the necessity for Israel to protect itself against potential threats while urging all parties to adhere to their commitments under the established ceasefire framework.
