U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on September 15th, 2025, that Hamas are "agents of terror and barbarism" and "agents of peace" are not associated with the group, while they continue to hold 48 hostages and use civilians as human shields. Rubio asserted that peace in the region is impossible as long as Hamas exists, according to a social media post on his official X account at 7:02 PM UTC. This statement comes as regional tensions remain high. Earlier on September 15th, between 6:18 PM and 6:49 PM UTC, a Trump administration official denied claims that President Trump was warned of a planned Israeli operation targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar by anonymous Israeli sources, calling the accusations "false." The previous report indicated these claims were made by three Israeli officials to N12 News, stating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken with President Trump last Tuesday afternoon prior to the operation. Analysis published by The Economist suggests that Gulf states may pressure the United States if they cannot exert pressure on Israel, potentially seeking more formal security guarantees and considering weapons from alternative suppliers if the U.S. does not balance its alliances. This strategic consideration follows condemnations of Israeli actions in Gaza by leaders of Jordan and Qatar, and an agreement by Arab states and the Organization of Islamic Countries to coordinate efforts to suspend Israeli companies at the United Nations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Qatar on September 16th, 2025. Separately, in Athens, an Israeli national, a disabled IDF veteran, was arrested over the weekend and charged with "war crimes" after being assaulted. The incident involved the veteran and his sister being attacked, with authorities taking all parties into custody. Protesters reportedly verbally abused and jeered the Israelis at the courtroom, with police allegedly not intervening to stop the attacks, according to a social media post from Hen Mazzig. Intense air attacks, described as "fire belts," were conducted by the IDF in the western part of Gaza City on the eve of a second ground maneuver against Hamas. Security sources reported "intensity and significant" air attacks in Gaza City during the previous reporting period.
