Rubio doubtful Gaza war can end through diplomacy

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cast doubt on the possibility of ending the Gaza war through diplomacy.

Speaking to Fox News on Monday during his trip to Israel, Rubio said the conflict could only end if all hostages were released and Palestinian militant group Hamas ceased to exist as an armed force threatening the Gaza Strip.

"Ideally, in a perfect world, you would achieve it through a diplomatic agreement," Rubio said. "Hamas would agree to disarm and disband, and they would agree to immediately release every single hostage, including the bodies of those who have died."

"That hasn't come to fruition," he added. "So if it's not going to end that way, then it's going to have to end through a military operation," Rubio said, noting that he believes Israel itself does not prefer this path.

After his visit to Israel, Rubio plans to travel to Qatar to meet the emir of the Gulf state, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Following Israel's strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar's capital, Doha, Rubio would reaffirm US support for Qatar's security and sovereignty, the State Department said.

The secretary would also "convey appreciation for Qatar's invaluable role mediating between Israel and Hamas," it said.

Qatar is mediating alongside the US and Egypt in the war between Israel and Hamas. Efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza have been stalled for months.