U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday morning to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His visit comes as Israeli military operations intensify, particularly in northern Gaza, where recent strikes have resulted in significant casualties.

Rubio stated before his trip that his priorities include securing the return of hostages, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas. He emphasized, "Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal."

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Rubio was welcomed by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife. He is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a one-on-one discussion, followed by a visit to the Western Wall.

The U.S. State Department indicated that Rubio's discussions will focus on America's priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader Middle Eastern security issues. The meeting will also address Israel's planned military operation to take control of Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip. Last week, Israel issued an evacuation order for Gaza City, warning residents that military operations would be conducted with "great force."

As Rubio's visit unfolds, Israeli airstrikes have escalated, with reports indicating that at least 13 Palestinians were killed in various strikes across Gaza on Sunday. Local hospitals reported that strikes targeted a vehicle near Shifa Hospital and a tent in Deir al-Balah, resulting in the deaths of six members of one family, including three children.

The Israeli military has not commented on the specific strikes. However, they did destroy a high-rise residential building in Gaza City shortly after issuing an evacuation order. Residents described the destruction of the Kauther tower in the Rimal neighborhood, which was flattened to the ground.

Abed Ismail, a resident of Gaza City, criticized the military actions, stating, "This part of the genocidal measures the (Israeli) occupation is carrying out in Gaza City. They want to turn the whole city into rubble, and force the transfer and another Nakba."

Israel has denied accusations of genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza reported that two adults died from malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of malnutrition-related deaths to 277 since late June. Additionally, 145 children have died from similar causes since the conflict began in October 2023.

The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. The ongoing Israeli offensive has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 64,803 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which has not specified how many were civilians or combatants. Approximately 90% of the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced due to the conflict.