Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to receive updates on Israel's operations to restore security following the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Secretary Austin reiterated his appreciation for Israel's role in facilitating humanitarian aid convoys into Gaza and repeated his calls for Israel to ensure the protection of civilians. The two leaders acknowledged the release of two hostages on Oct. 23 and called for the release of the remaining hostages.