US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that Washington was steadfast in its support for its ally Israel's pursuit of the Gaza war and called for the eradication of Hamas.

"The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated," Rubio told reporters at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

"You can count on our unwavering support," he said.

Netanyahu said Rubio's visit was a "

Rubio criticised plans by Western nations to recognise a Palestinian state, saying they "emboldened" Hamas. "They're largely symbolic... the only impact they actually have is it makes Hamas feel more emboldened," he said.

Rubio had said he would discuss with Netanyahu Israeli plans to seize Gaza City, the territory'

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