DOHA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio headed to Qatar Tuesday to ask it to stay on as mediator in Gaza, hoping to reassure the Gulf partner a week after Israeli airstrikes there against Hamas leaders. Heading to Qatar from Israel, which overnight carried out major new strikes in Gaza, Rubio was pessimistic about a ceasefire deal but said Qatar uniquely could help.

The diplomat will consult with Israeli officials about their coming military offensive in Gaza City, as President Trump’s efforts to end the Gaza war appear stalled.

WASHINGTON: The United States is “not happy” about Israeli strikes targeting Hamas in Qatar, but the attack will not change Washington’s allied status with Israel, Secretary of…