Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, February 23, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Friday, February 23, 2024
US defense chief: Israel needs a ‘credible plan’ to ensure civilian safety before entering Rafah
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant yesterday evening about Israel’s operation against Hamas in Khan Younis, the Pentagon says in a readout of the call.
Austin stressed the need to Gallant for a “credible plan to ensure the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering in Rafah before any military operations proceed there,” the Pentagon says.
The two also discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of the hostages still held captive by Hamas, as well as the need to improve access to humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, as looting and violence are hindering access to the convoys inside the Strip.
