Israeli Strike on Gaza: US Secretary of State Rubio Speaks of 'Justification'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that Washington does not consider the strike, which Israel claimed targeted a member of an armed Palestinian movement in the Gaza Strip, a violation of the US-backed ceasefire.

Israel stated that on Saturday it targeted a member of the Islamic Jihad movement who was allegedly planning to attack Israeli forces.

US Stance and Justification for the Strike

• Right to Self-Defense: Speaking aboard President Donald Trump’s plane en route to Asia, Rubio said: "We do not consider that a violation of the ceasefire."

• Justification: Rubio added that Israel did not give up its right to self-defense under the ceasefire agreement mediated by Washington, Egypt, and Qatar, which rests on commitments from both sides. He stated: "They have the right if there is an imminent threat to Israel, and all mediators agree on that."

• Islamic Jihad Denial: The Islamic Jihad movement issued a statement denying the Israeli army's claim, stating that the allegation that its cadres in Nuseirat were preparing for an imminent action "is a false and fabricated claim through which the occupation seeks to justify its aggression and its violation of the ceasefire."

Renewed Escalation on the Ground

The Israeli strike occurred on Saturday shortly after Rubio left Israel, where he had been visiting to reinforce the ceasefire. However, the escalation continued on Monday:

• Drone Strike: A number of Palestinians were injured Monday after an Israeli drone bombed a group of citizens inspecting their homes in the Abasan Al-Kabeera area east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Some injuries were described as serious.

• Heavy Fire: The Palestinian news agency indicated that Israeli vehicles were firing heavy machine guns continuously and intensely towards the eastern areas of Khan Younis.

• Naval Shelling: Israeli warships fired shells towards the coast of the Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip.

Rubio also noted that Hamas must expedite the return of the remains of hostages who died in captivity.