(Credit: US DOD)    U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

By  Gary  Raynaldo          –  DIPLOMATIC   TIMES

WASHINGTON   –    Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss Israel’s war with Hamas. According to a readout by Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Secretary reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and reiterated the importance of both protecting civilians and delivering humanitarian relief. He emphasized the need to contain the conflict to Gaza and avoid regional escalation. Meanwhile,  Senior UN officials said on Saturday said there could be no justification for any “acts of war” in or around any healthcare facilities, amidst reports that Gaza’s largest hospital has come under attack by Israeli forces as they battle Palestinian militants. Latest figures from  OCHA, sourcing the health ministry in Gaza – which the UN regards as reliable – report that more than 10,800 have been killed in the enclave since the 7 October attacks and more than 26,900 injured.