Kochi: Stating that Hamas leaders would not have immunity “wherever they are”, Israel did not rule out further strikes against them, BBC reported.
Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said every country had the right “to defend itself beyond its borders”.
Israel’s decision to target senior Hamas leaders in Qatar – a close US ally – a few days back came in for global outrage and US President Donald Trump. Hamas said six people were killed and its leaders were safe.
The meeting between Rubio and Netanyahu comes as Arab leaders hold a summit of solidarity for Qatar.
Its prime minister exhorted the international community to stop applying “double standards” and to punish Israel.
Rubio said Washington maintained “strong relationships with our Gulf allies”.
Qatar hosts a major US airbase and has played a key role in brokering diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza, serving as a mediator of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
Netanyahu and Rubio visited the holy site in Jerusalem’s Old City and Rubio wrote a note and placed it into the wall, a traditional ritual performed by visitors.
The Israeli military is busy demolishing residential buildings in Gaza City, and is going to begin ground operations in the Western neighbourhoods of the city.
Israel has asked Gaza City’s residents to vacate Gaza and move to a central area of the strip.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimate about 250,000 Palestinians have fled, while thousands are believed to remain in the area.
Some say they cannot afford to go south where Israel has carried out air strikes there too.
Netanyahu and Rubio’s meeting comes ahead of a UN General Assembly session next week, at which some leading US allies – including the UK, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium – are expected to recognise the State of Palestine.
This expected recognition has intensified debate within Israel around the future of the West Bank, it said.
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