DOHA - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Qatar on Tuesday, reaffirming Washington's support for the Gulf ally as the region reels from last week's Israeli strike on Hamas negotiators in Doha.

Rubio met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss bilateral strategic ties, regional developments, and ways to strengthen defense cooperation, according to Qatar News Agency. The two sides also exchanged views on diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners, and ease broader regional tensions.

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During his visit, Rubio also met Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. He praised Doha's "ongoing mediation efforts to broker a peace deal between Israel and Hamas and to bring the hostages home," according to a post shared on X, while reaffirming the enduring US-Qatar security partnership.

Rubio's visit comes after an unprecedented Israeli airstrike in Doha last week targeted a building where Hamas officials were meeting to discuss a U.S.-proposed ceasefire. The attack killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, though key negotiators survived. Reports indicated Israel informed Washington in advance, despite President Donald Trump's May remarks during a visit to Doha that the US would protect Qatar if it came under attack.

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The trip also followed Rubio's visit to Israel, where he reiterated Washington's "unwavering support" for Israel's offensive in Gaza. The Israeli military launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City during his visit, escalating the nearly two-year-long conflict.