Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III briefs the press from the Pentagon Briefing Room, Washington, D.C., Feb. 19, 2021. (DoD Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders).

By Gary  Raynaldo     –   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss Israel’s operations against Hamas. The Secretary reiterated his steadfast support for Israel’s defense and emphasized the need to protect civilians, increase humanitarian aid delivery, and ensure military operations comply with international humanitarian law.   Last week Austin spoke to Gallant and Secretary reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and again reiterated the importance of both protecting civilians and delivering humanitarian relief.

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.