Fri Sep 12 17:38:01 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the given text, with an Indian perspective:

**The Hindu: World Affairs**

**US Secretary of State Rubio to Visit Israel Amidst Tensions over Palestinian State Recognition**

**Washington, September 12, 2025:** US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel starting September 13th, 2025, to express unwavering American support amidst growing international pressure for the recognition of a Palestinian state. This visit comes on the heels of an Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, a move that has drawn a mild rebuke from US President Donald Trump.

Rubio will meet with Israeli leaders to discuss the US commitment to combatting what it sees as “anti-Israel actions,” including the potential unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which it believes rewards Hamas terrorism. He will also reiterate US dedication to Israeli security and shared objectives, such as ensuring Hamas never governs Gaza again and securing the release of all hostages. Furthermore, discussions will focus on Israel’s operational goals in its ongoing offensive, including the aim to seize Gaza City.

The visit has sparked controversy due to reports that Rubio will participate in the inauguration of a new tunnel in Jerusalem’s Old City, a move seen by the anti-settlement group Peace Now as tacit American recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the sensitive Holy Basin. This would contradict Washington’s long-standing position on Jerusalem since 1967, when Israel seized East Jerusalem and later annexed it, a move not internationally recognized. Despite this controversy, Trump’s administration has generally supported Israel, including relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.

Netanyahu has vowed there would be no Palestinian state despite normalization efforts. The US and international community are now in a sensitive position as they try to negotiate a future in the region.

This trip comes at a critical juncture as France and other nations are contemplating recognizing a Palestinian state, a development that could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape. This pressure is fueled by the heavy civilian toll in Gaza following Israel’s offensive, which began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis. The retaliatory offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to figures considered reliable by the UN. The UN has also declared famine in parts of Gaza, a claim contested by Israel.

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