Israel should “destroy every element of Hamas they can get their hands on”, Marco Rubio said in a video that has resurfaced amid reports that Donald Trump is set to name him as secretary of state.

Mr Rubio, a Florida senator, was ambushed by activists in December demanding that he “call for a ceasefire in Gaza”, to which he replied bluntly: “No, I will not – on the contrary.”

The 53-year-old senator then told the activists, “I want you guys to get this” before launching a tirade against Hamas and expressing unwavering support for Israel.

“I want [Israel] to destroy every element of Hamas they can get their hands on. These people are vicious animals who did horrifying crimes – and I hope you guys post that, because that’s my position,” Mr Rubio told the activists.

Mr Rubio is then asked about the civilian death toll in Gaza, which he blamed squarely on the terror group.

“Hamas knew that [Oct 7] was going to lead to this, so Hamas has to stop building their military installations underneath hospitals,” Mr Rubio continued.

The activist interjects, questioning whether Mr Rubio cares about how many people had died in Gaza, to which he says: “I care, I think it’s horrifying, I think it’s terrible, and I think Hamas is 100 per cent to blame… make sure you post that please.”

The video was filmed in December, around two months after the Oct 7 attacks. Since then, Mr Rubio has said that a ceasefire should only occur if Hamas surrenders and releases every hostage.