In call with Gallant, Pentagon chief ’emphasized need to prioritize civilian safety’

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin “emphasized the need to prioritize civilian safety in military operations,” during his latest phone call with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier today, the Pentagon says.

The US readout is issued hours after the IDF’s bombing of a Hamas stronghold in Jabaliya, which is believed to have included large numbers of civilian casualties in addition to terror fighters. The decision to lead the readout with this message, appears to indicate Washington’s discomfort with the strike, though the talking point has been included in every call since the start of the war.

Austin also “acknowledged the increased humanitarian aid delivery through the Rafah crossing today, and urged continued progress to increase assistance to civilians in Gaza,” the readout says.