"The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is destroyed," Rubio said, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."You can count on our unwavering support and determination" to make it happen, he added.

Netanyahu said Rubio's visit was a clear message that the United States supports Israel, and called United States President Donald Trump"the greatest friend Israel has ever had."

On Monday, Rubio said that Western plans to recognize Palestinian statehood are emboldening Hamas."They are largely symbolic, they have no real impact on bringing us closer to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The only impact is that Hamas is getting bolder," Rubio said.

Rubio revealed that he plans to speak with Netanyahu about Israel's plans to seize Gaza City and the Israeli government's statements that it could annex part of the West Bank.

The US Secretary of State indicated that Trump wants the war in the Gaza Strip to end, which would mean the release of hostages and guarantees that Hamas no longer poses a threat.

But last week, the situation was complicated by an Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, which surprised the United States.

Trump on Sunday expressed support for Qatar, which hosts the largest U.S. air base in the region and has sought to maintain good relations with the Trump administration. The president stressed that Qatar has been a great U.S. ally and warned that Israel and everyone else must be careful."When we attack people, we have to be careful," he added.

Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas.