In Pentagon meeting, Austin tells Gallant there’s moral imperative to protect civilians
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says there is “a moral necessity and a strategic imperative” to protect Palestinian civilians, calling the situation in Gaza a “humanitarian catastrophe” that is “getting even worse.”
Austin’s comments come at the start of the meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon.
“In Gaza today, the number of civilian casualties is far too high and the amount of humanitarian aid is far too low,” Austin continues. “We need immediate increases in assistance to avert famine, and our work to open a temporary humanitarian corridor by sea will help, but the key is still expanding aid deliveries by land.
He tells Gallant he looks forward to discussing surging Gaza aid with him.
Turning to a potential Israeli operation in Rafah — which the US opposes — Austin says, “the safety of the 1.5 million Palestinian civilians in Rafah is also a top priority for the United States.”
“We continue to share the goal of seeing Hamas defeated, so we’ll discuss alternative approaches to target Hamas elements, and we must also plan for Israel’s security after this conflict ends, and that includes working in renewed cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and our regional partners to stabilize Gaza and to move toward a two-state solution,” he adds.
Speaking after Austin, Gallant thanks the US defense chief personally and the US more broadly for its support in the war against Hamas.
“While we are sitting at the Pentagon, on the other side of the world, the leader of Hamas is meeting with senior Iranian government officials. There is no more tangible expression of the war of the free world against the axis advancing terror,” Gallant tells Austin.
“Today, we will discuss developments in Gaza and the means to achieve our goals: the destruction of Hamas organization and bringing back the Israeli hostages back home.”
“The negotiation on the hostages issue and Hamas positions require us to join hands in the — in our military and diplomatic efforts, and to increase pressure on Hamas,” he continues.”I will also raise the growing threats on our northern border, and our commitment to returning displaced communities to their homes.”
“We will also discuss strategic issues and the important cooperation between our establishment, which will ensure Israel’s military edge and capabilities,” Gallant says.
