US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant discussed the issue of increasing aid, providing safe areas in the Gaza Strip, and releasing Israeli prisoners held in the Strip.
Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said, “Secretary Austin recognized the critical roles played by the governments of Israel, Qatar, and Egypt in reaching an agreement that will also see an increase in humanitarian aid and the delivery of fuel to civilians in Gaza.”
Austin made clear his view that “humanitarian aid must be increased, and that civilians must have safe areas to receive aid throughout Gaza, which will require not conflicting with the United Nations and communicating with governments and international organizations that coordinate the delivery of aid.”
He stressed his firm support for “Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism,” and received everything new regarding the cessation of Israeli army operations in Gaza while releasing prisoners.
The American minister also stressed “the United States’ interest in preventing the expansion of the conflict in Gaza and its spread to Lebanon.” He condemned the ongoing cross-border attacks from Lebanon to Israel, and expressed his support for the safe return of Israeli civilians to their homes in the north.
Austin pointed to the efforts of the United States to protect its forces and interests throughout the Middle East, during the ongoing conflict in the region.
