US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed “the urgent need to dramatically increase humanitarian assistance delivery to Gaza, including by implementing steps approved by the Israeli war cabinet in a phone call earlier today with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Pentagon says.
The pair also discussed the IDF probe into its deadly strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy last week and “the need for procedural changes to ensure such incidents never happen again,” the US readout says.
“Gallant provided details about the IDF’s withdrawal from portions of Gaza and the future of Israel’s campaign against Hamas,” it adds.
“Austin voiced his commitment to supporting the unconditional return of all hostages and expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would produce a pause in hostilities.”
He “also affirmed unwavering US support for Israel’s defense in light of threats posed by Iran and its proxy network,” the readout adds.—agencies
