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 in Gaza. The Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. ironclad commitment to Israel's right to defend itself and underscored the importance of protecting civilians. He also noted the importance of increased humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing over the past few days.