U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday concerning Iran’s activities in the Middle East, along with other regional dangers and the provision of aid to Gaza, as per a Pentagon statement.
The Pentagon conveyed that Austin emphasized “the importance of increasing and sustaining” the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilians, including through a new route from Ashdod Port in Israel.
Israel recently resumed operations at the Erez crossing into northern Gaza and permitted the temporary utilization of Ashdod port in southern Israel, following U.S. President Joe Biden‘s threat to condition support for Israel on steps taken to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that food trucks entered the blockaded Gaza Strip from Ashdod Port for the first time since the government greenlit the port’s opening to aid shipments.
According to the Pentagon, Austin and Gallant deliberated on what they termed “destabilizing actions” by Iran in the Middle East.
Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles over the weekend in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria, with most intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.
Israel is contemplating a response. The assault on Gaza by Israel ensued after the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas initiated attacks on Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties as per Israeli counts.
Israel’s military campaign has claimed over 33,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.
