1 00:00:00,790 --> 00:00:02,790 All right . Well , good afternoon , 2 00:00:02,790 --> 00:00:04,957 everyone . Uh Just a few things at the 3 00:00:04,957 --> 00:00:06,679 top and I'll get right to your 4 00:00:06,679 --> 00:00:09,119 questions . So as you're aware , 5 00:00:09,130 --> 00:00:11,640 Secretary Austin hosted the 22nd 6 00:00:11,649 --> 00:00:13,760 Ukraine defense contact group meeting 7 00:00:13,760 --> 00:00:15,705 yesterday where he highlighted the 8 00:00:15,705 --> 00:00:17,816 urgent need to support Ukraine amid a 9 00:00:17,816 --> 00:00:20,038 challenging and dangerous fight against 10 00:00:20,038 --> 00:00:21,799 a new Russian offensive . He 11 00:00:21,809 --> 00:00:23,920 underscored the extraordinary courage 12 00:00:23,920 --> 00:00:26,142 of Ukrainian defenders and the critical 13 00:00:26,142 --> 00:00:27,976 role of the some 50 nations that 14 00:00:27,976 --> 00:00:30,198 comprise the contact group in providing 15 00:00:30,198 --> 00:00:32,309 essential capabilities to the defense 16 00:00:32,309 --> 00:00:34,198 of Ukraine through eight separate 17 00:00:34,198 --> 00:00:36,420 capability . Coalitions . The secretary 18 00:00:36,420 --> 00:00:38,309 also emphasized the importance of 19 00:00:38,309 --> 00:00:40,531 ongoing assistance and co ordination to 20 00:00:40,531 --> 00:00:43,220 ensure Ukraine's long term security as 21 00:00:43,229 --> 00:00:45,290 well as our continued laser focus on 22 00:00:45,299 --> 00:00:47,077 Ukraine's near term battlefield 23 00:00:47,077 --> 00:00:50,029 requirements separately . Earlier today , 24 00:00:50,040 --> 00:00:51,930 Secretary Austin hosted Finnish 25 00:00:51,939 --> 00:00:54,540 Minister of Defense anti Hakkinen here 26 00:00:54,549 --> 00:00:56,327 at the Pentagon for a bilateral 27 00:00:56,327 --> 00:00:58,160 discussion on the strong defense 28 00:00:58,160 --> 00:01:00,493 relationship between the US and Finland . 29 00:01:00,493 --> 00:01:02,327 The two leaders reaffirmed their 30 00:01:02,327 --> 00:01:04,549 commitment to nato's collective defense 31 00:01:04,549 --> 00:01:06,771 and addressed current European security 32 00:01:06,771 --> 00:01:08,549 challenges particularly Russian 33 00:01:08,549 --> 00:01:11,059 aggression . Secretary Austin praised 34 00:01:11,069 --> 00:01:13,291 Finland's role in regional security and 35 00:01:13,291 --> 00:01:15,458 within NATO and both leaders committed 36 00:01:15,458 --> 00:01:17,625 to deepening our strategic partnership 37 00:01:17,625 --> 00:01:19,736 to ensure regional stability read out 38 00:01:19,736 --> 00:01:21,958 will be posted to the dod website later 39 00:01:21,958 --> 00:01:24,239 today . Looking further ahead into the 40 00:01:24,250 --> 00:01:26,417 week , Secretary Austin will travel to 41 00:01:26,417 --> 00:01:28,361 Annapolis Maryland on Friday where 42 00:01:28,361 --> 00:01:30,528 he'll provide the commencement address 43 00:01:30,528 --> 00:01:32,250 to the US Naval Academy's 2024 44 00:01:32,250 --> 00:01:34,472 graduating class of our newly appointed 45 00:01:34,472 --> 00:01:36,417 US Navy ensigns and Marine Corps . 46 00:01:36,417 --> 00:01:38,194 Second Lieutenants commencement 47 00:01:38,199 --> 00:01:40,421 ceremony ceremony will be live streamed 48 00:01:40,421 --> 00:01:43,470 on defense.gov and switching gears to a 49 00:01:43,480 --> 00:01:46,139 couple of operational updates to date . 50 00:01:46,150 --> 00:01:49,489 Over 569 metric tons of humanitarian 51 00:01:49,500 --> 00:01:51,559 assistance has been delivered across 52 00:01:51,569 --> 00:01:54,040 the temporary pier or J Lots to Gaza 53 00:01:54,050 --> 00:01:55,606 for further distribution by 54 00:01:55,606 --> 00:01:57,828 humanitarian partners . With more aid . 55 00:01:57,828 --> 00:01:59,919 On the way , this humanitarian 56 00:01:59,930 --> 00:02:01,874 assistance has been donated by the 57 00:02:01,874 --> 00:02:03,930 United States , United Kingdom , UAE 58 00:02:03,930 --> 00:02:06,208 European Union and many other partners . 59 00:02:06,360 --> 00:02:08,582 And as you've heard us say previously , 60 00:02:08,582 --> 00:02:10,638 the pier is a temporary solution and 61 00:02:10,638 --> 00:02:12,527 contribution as part of a broader 62 00:02:12,527 --> 00:02:14,193 international effort to surge 63 00:02:14,193 --> 00:02:16,416 humanitarian assistance to Gaza to meet 64 00:02:16,416 --> 00:02:18,416 the urgent needs of the Palestinian 65 00:02:18,416 --> 00:02:20,749 people . As J Lot's operations continue , 66 00:02:20,749 --> 00:02:22,749 we'll be sure to provide updates as 67 00:02:22,749 --> 00:02:24,416 appropriate on this important 68 00:02:24,416 --> 00:02:26,527 international humanitarian endeavor . 69 00:02:26,527 --> 00:02:28,582 And finally , four US Air Force B 52 70 00:02:28,582 --> 00:02:30,638 stratofortress aircraft and deployed 71 00:02:30,638 --> 00:02:32,582 airmen began a routine bomber task 72 00:02:32,582 --> 00:02:34,582 force deployment to the US European 73 00:02:34,582 --> 00:02:36,638 command area of operations this week 74 00:02:37,100 --> 00:02:39,729 operating out of the UK , Sraf Fairford . 75 00:02:39,740 --> 00:02:41,919 These aircraft deployed for minot air 76 00:02:41,929 --> 00:02:44,151 force base in North Dakota will provide 77 00:02:44,151 --> 00:02:46,040 numerous training and operational 78 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:48,289 opportunities alongside NATO allies and 79 00:02:48,300 --> 00:02:50,410 regional partners . This deployment 80 00:02:50,419 --> 00:02:52,641 underscores the US commitment to nato's 81 00:02:52,641 --> 00:02:54,720 collective deterrence and defense of 82 00:02:54,729 --> 00:02:56,562 the Euro Atlantic region against 83 00:02:56,562 --> 00:02:58,789 hostile actors . The bomber task force 84 00:02:58,800 --> 00:03:00,856 in Europe is part of a large part of 85 00:03:00,856 --> 00:03:04,839 large scale global exercise 2024 which 86 00:03:04,850 --> 00:03:07,419 enhances us joint forces training with 87 00:03:07,429 --> 00:03:09,350 allies to address global security 88 00:03:09,360 --> 00:03:12,210 challenges . Excuse me , for further 89 00:03:12,220 --> 00:03:14,276 questions . I'd refer to us European 90 00:03:14,276 --> 00:03:16,276 command public affairs and also I'd 91 00:03:16,276 --> 00:03:18,442 like to thank Aaron Sport Space Forces 92 00:03:18,442 --> 00:03:20,498 magazine for watching our left flank 93 00:03:20,498 --> 00:03:22,664 over here . Thanks Chris . Uh And with 94 00:03:22,664 --> 00:03:26,169 that , we'll go ahead and uh go to a P 95 00:03:26,179 --> 00:03:29,949 first . Thanks um over 96 00:03:29,960 --> 00:03:33,770 here on the other plane . Um um some of 97 00:03:33,779 --> 00:03:35,960 the aid that has come off the pier , 98 00:03:35,970 --> 00:03:37,914 there was difficulty in getting it 99 00:03:37,914 --> 00:03:40,026 distributed . Uh Over the last couple 100 00:03:40,026 --> 00:03:41,914 of days , some of the trucks were 101 00:03:41,914 --> 00:03:44,081 overrun by uh people trying to uh pull 102 00:03:44,081 --> 00:03:46,081 the aid off , et cetera . Is the US 103 00:03:46,081 --> 00:03:48,248 concerned that some of that aid is not 104 00:03:48,248 --> 00:03:50,414 actually to the warehouses and thus to 105 00:03:50,414 --> 00:03:52,470 the distribution point . And are you 106 00:03:52,470 --> 00:03:54,610 aware of any steps that either the US 107 00:03:54,619 --> 00:03:56,841 or our allies and other coordinators on 108 00:03:56,841 --> 00:03:59,008 the ground are taking in order to kind 109 00:03:59,008 --> 00:04:01,230 of improve this process at this point ? 110 00:04:01,230 --> 00:04:03,809 Yeah , thanks Lida . So actually , yes , 111 00:04:03,820 --> 00:04:06,199 a few updates on that front . So there 112 00:04:06,210 --> 00:04:08,460 have been discussions between the US 113 00:04:08,470 --> 00:04:11,770 Israel United Nations as well as joint 114 00:04:11,779 --> 00:04:14,559 efforts to identify alternative routes 115 00:04:14,570 --> 00:04:16,880 for the safe movement of staff and 116 00:04:16,890 --> 00:04:20,559 cargo . Uh And so uh movements from 117 00:04:20,570 --> 00:04:23,559 the temporary facility from the , the 118 00:04:23,570 --> 00:04:25,792 assembly area that have resumed today . 119 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:28,359 Uh And so we do anticipate that 120 00:04:28,369 --> 00:04:30,591 assistance will be distributed in the , 121 00:04:30,600 --> 00:04:32,711 the coming days here , of course , uh 122 00:04:32,711 --> 00:04:35,720 conditions permitting . Uh And so , you 123 00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:37,897 know , as we move forward on this , uh 124 00:04:37,897 --> 00:04:40,589 the , the safety and security uh of all 125 00:04:40,600 --> 00:04:42,839 the uh humanitarian assistance 126 00:04:42,850 --> 00:04:44,961 organizations is gonna continue to be 127 00:04:45,119 --> 00:04:47,286 uh critical . Uh And we'll continue to 128 00:04:47,286 --> 00:04:49,286 work closely with the international 129 00:04:49,286 --> 00:04:51,619 community on that front . Uh Ultimately , 130 00:04:51,619 --> 00:04:53,619 the goal of course is to get this , 131 00:04:53,619 --> 00:04:55,619 this humanitarian assistance to the 132 00:04:55,619 --> 00:04:57,730 Palestinian people who need it most . 133 00:04:57,730 --> 00:04:59,952 Just a quick um follow , I just want to 134 00:04:59,952 --> 00:05:02,175 make sure on the 569 that you gave us , 135 00:05:02,175 --> 00:05:04,649 is that as of today or yesterday , uh 136 00:05:04,670 --> 00:05:06,726 that is as of this briefing , I know 137 00:05:06,726 --> 00:05:08,670 that more AIDS coming . So there , 138 00:05:08,670 --> 00:05:10,614 there may be updated numbers later 139 00:05:10,614 --> 00:05:12,670 today , but that's as , as uh what I 140 00:05:12,670 --> 00:05:12,670 have as of coming into this briefing 141 00:05:12,679 --> 00:05:15,299 right now . Yeah , Natasha , thanks Pat . 142 00:05:15,309 --> 00:05:18,200 So originally the plan was to , I mean , 143 00:05:18,209 --> 00:05:20,376 according to senior military officials 144 00:05:20,376 --> 00:05:22,487 who were briefed on this start off by 145 00:05:22,487 --> 00:05:24,542 getting roughly 90 trucks per day of 146 00:05:24,542 --> 00:05:26,929 aid into Gaza and then scaling up to 147 00:05:26,940 --> 00:05:29,107 ultimately 150 trucks per day . But it 148 00:05:29,107 --> 00:05:32,769 seems that as of today , only about 149 00:05:32,779 --> 00:05:34,835 26 total trucks have gotten in since 150 00:05:34,835 --> 00:05:37,225 Friday including 14 yesterday and some 151 00:05:37,234 --> 00:05:39,567 of them of course have been intercepted . 152 00:05:39,567 --> 00:05:41,975 So why are more trucks not making it 153 00:05:42,105 --> 00:05:44,515 across the causeway into Gaza at this 154 00:05:44,524 --> 00:05:46,691 point . Yeah . So a couple of things , 155 00:05:46,691 --> 00:05:48,691 Natasha . So first of all , I would 156 00:05:48,691 --> 00:05:50,913 emphasize , you know , a key point that 157 00:05:50,913 --> 00:05:53,246 you just made that is aid is flowing in . 158 00:05:53,355 --> 00:05:55,411 Uh and that's additional aid for the 159 00:05:55,411 --> 00:05:57,355 people of Gaza . And so that's a , 160 00:05:57,355 --> 00:05:59,244 that's a very good thing . Uh The 161 00:05:59,244 --> 00:06:01,466 second thing is I would highlight , you 162 00:06:01,466 --> 00:06:03,688 know , again , for additional context , 163 00:06:03,688 --> 00:06:05,688 this is , it's just over three days 164 00:06:05,688 --> 00:06:07,911 since uh J Lot's first went operational 165 00:06:07,911 --> 00:06:10,022 and we've already been able to push , 166 00:06:10,022 --> 00:06:12,133 as I mentioned , over 596 metric tons 167 00:06:12,133 --> 00:06:15,079 of aid for onward delivery into Gaza 168 00:06:15,140 --> 00:06:17,570 more on the way . Um And again , it's 169 00:06:17,579 --> 00:06:19,801 also important to remember that this is 170 00:06:19,801 --> 00:06:21,929 a combat zone , uh , and that it is a 171 00:06:21,940 --> 00:06:25,410 complex operation . Uh And so , you 172 00:06:25,420 --> 00:06:27,531 know , we've been very clear from the 173 00:06:27,531 --> 00:06:29,587 beginning that we're going to take a 174 00:06:29,587 --> 00:06:31,642 crawl walk run approach to make sure 175 00:06:31,642 --> 00:06:33,809 that we are implementing the system in 176 00:06:33,809 --> 00:06:35,864 a way where we're working out , uh , 177 00:06:35,864 --> 00:06:38,031 the , the processes , the procedures , 178 00:06:38,031 --> 00:06:39,920 uh , and in including taking into 179 00:06:39,920 --> 00:06:42,087 account the security conditions . So I 180 00:06:42,087 --> 00:06:44,253 think you're going to see , uh , as we 181 00:06:44,253 --> 00:06:46,420 work together , uh , the amount of aid 182 00:06:46,420 --> 00:06:48,364 increase and the ability to get it 183 00:06:48,364 --> 00:06:50,364 distributed increase , but we never 184 00:06:50,364 --> 00:06:52,420 said it was gonna be easy . I mean , 185 00:06:52,420 --> 00:06:54,476 again , the circumstances that we're 186 00:06:54,476 --> 00:06:56,809 dealing with here are , are challenging . 187 00:06:56,809 --> 00:06:59,087 Uh , but the bottom line is that we're , 188 00:06:59,087 --> 00:06:58,440 we're taking action now and we're 189 00:06:58,450 --> 00:07:01,350 focused on what we can do to help save 190 00:07:01,359 --> 00:07:03,829 the lives of , of those in Gaza who 191 00:07:03,839 --> 00:07:05,783 need this aid . And so that's what 192 00:07:05,783 --> 00:07:08,006 we'll continue to stay focused on aid . 193 00:07:08,006 --> 00:07:09,950 Kind of waiting to flow across the 194 00:07:09,950 --> 00:07:11,839 causeway is the , is the , is dod 195 00:07:11,839 --> 00:07:14,006 essentially um holding back the number 196 00:07:14,006 --> 00:07:13,540 of trucks because there's not the 197 00:07:13,549 --> 00:07:16,170 logistical . No . So aid aid , as you 198 00:07:16,179 --> 00:07:18,290 know , as you , as we've talked about 199 00:07:18,290 --> 00:07:20,401 aid will be delivered to the floating 200 00:07:20,401 --> 00:07:22,623 pier , then transported uh via logistic 201 00:07:22,623 --> 00:07:24,457 support vessels delivered to the 202 00:07:24,457 --> 00:07:26,579 causeway and then put into assembly 203 00:07:26,589 --> 00:07:29,799 areas uh on shore . And that's where 204 00:07:29,809 --> 00:07:32,279 NGO S pick up that aid and then further 205 00:07:32,290 --> 00:07:34,660 distribute it . So , uh to my knowledge , 206 00:07:34,670 --> 00:07:36,940 there's no stoppage . Uh Again , as we 207 00:07:36,950 --> 00:07:39,006 mentioned , this is gonna be a crawl 208 00:07:39,006 --> 00:07:41,061 walk , run approach and you're gonna 209 00:07:41,061 --> 00:07:43,228 see those numbers increase in the days 210 00:07:43,228 --> 00:07:45,450 ahead . Let me go to a LA and then I'll 211 00:07:45,450 --> 00:07:44,880 come to town . Thank you . I just 212 00:07:44,890 --> 00:07:46,700 wanted to follow up on Leda and 213 00:07:46,709 --> 00:07:50,010 Natasha's questions . Um So you say 214 00:07:50,019 --> 00:07:52,480 that aid is continuing to flow through , 215 00:07:52,489 --> 00:07:54,545 but it's , it's sort of at this very 216 00:07:54,545 --> 00:07:56,880 small slow pace . So is there a backlog 217 00:07:56,890 --> 00:07:59,029 somewhere like is aid coming into the 218 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,207 marshaling area and then getting stuck 219 00:08:01,207 --> 00:08:03,429 there for a while or can you explain to 220 00:08:03,429 --> 00:08:05,484 us where all this aid is right now ? 221 00:08:06,209 --> 00:08:09,230 The aid is in the assembly areas uh 222 00:08:09,239 --> 00:08:11,739 onshore , right ? So it's , it's taken , 223 00:08:11,809 --> 00:08:14,031 uh So the military , the US military is 224 00:08:14,031 --> 00:08:16,087 delivering it to the causeway , it's 225 00:08:16,087 --> 00:08:18,989 then taken by non us contractors driven 226 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:20,778 over on the shore , put into an 227 00:08:20,778 --> 00:08:23,589 assembly area which is where uh the NGO 228 00:08:23,600 --> 00:08:25,600 S that are supporting this effort , 229 00:08:25,600 --> 00:08:27,489 pick it up and take it for onward 230 00:08:27,489 --> 00:08:29,656 distribution . Uh But as I mentioned , 231 00:08:29,656 --> 00:08:31,878 uh you know , via some discussions that 232 00:08:31,878 --> 00:08:33,822 have happened again as we work out 233 00:08:33,822 --> 00:08:36,109 processes and procedures , alternative 234 00:08:36,119 --> 00:08:38,175 routes for the safe movement of that 235 00:08:38,175 --> 00:08:41,239 cargo have been established . Uh And uh 236 00:08:41,359 --> 00:08:43,479 aid is now being taken from those 237 00:08:43,489 --> 00:08:46,908 assembly areas to , to warehouses uh 238 00:08:46,919 --> 00:08:49,299 for further distribution throughout 239 00:08:49,309 --> 00:08:52,299 Gaza . When you say that 569 metric 240 00:08:52,309 --> 00:08:54,749 tons have gotten in , do you mean that 241 00:08:54,758 --> 00:08:56,980 they've gotten ? That's what we brought 242 00:08:56,980 --> 00:08:59,036 to . That's correct . That's what we 243 00:08:59,036 --> 00:09:01,109 have delivered onto the shore for 244 00:09:01,119 --> 00:09:03,969 further distribution uh elsewhere 245 00:09:03,979 --> 00:09:07,950 throughout Gaza . Ok . And let me go to 246 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:09,770 Tom and then can you give us a 247 00:09:09,780 --> 00:09:11,891 breakdown ? How many trucks that is ? 248 00:09:12,179 --> 00:09:14,960 And also um how many trucks were sort 249 00:09:14,969 --> 00:09:17,150 of overwhelmed by people just grabbing 250 00:09:17,369 --> 00:09:20,059 the humanitarian aid ? And finally , on 251 00:09:20,070 --> 00:09:22,181 the causeway itself , who's providing 252 00:09:22,181 --> 00:09:24,348 security for that causeway ? Is it the 253 00:09:24,348 --> 00:09:26,514 Israelis ? Is it private security ? Uh 254 00:09:26,514 --> 00:09:29,700 who is , who is that ? Yeah , so a 255 00:09:29,710 --> 00:09:31,932 couple of things there , Tom . So first 256 00:09:31,932 --> 00:09:33,988 of all , um you know , I I would , I 257 00:09:33,988 --> 00:09:36,739 would caution you aga uh around getting 258 00:09:36,750 --> 00:09:38,806 focused on the number of trucks that 259 00:09:38,806 --> 00:09:41,710 are going back and forth from an LSV to 260 00:09:41,719 --> 00:09:43,719 the shore , right ? I mean , it's a 261 00:09:43,719 --> 00:09:45,941 continuous circuit . So the focus is on 262 00:09:45,941 --> 00:09:48,052 the amount of aid , the uh the amount 263 00:09:48,052 --> 00:09:50,163 of trucks is irrelevant to the amount 264 00:09:50,163 --> 00:09:52,275 of aid that's going to be delivered , 265 00:09:52,275 --> 00:09:55,039 uh you know , uh out into the 266 00:09:55,049 --> 00:09:56,827 communities . And again , let's 267 00:09:56,827 --> 00:09:58,938 differentiate between the trucks that 268 00:09:58,938 --> 00:10:00,827 are taking it from the end of the 269 00:10:00,827 --> 00:10:02,882 causeway to the assembly area . It's 270 00:10:02,882 --> 00:10:05,049 two different things , right ? Once it 271 00:10:05,049 --> 00:10:07,216 gets to the assembly area , it will be 272 00:10:07,216 --> 00:10:09,271 loaded onto trucks and , and that is 273 00:10:09,271 --> 00:10:11,349 managed by the NGO S will that will 274 00:10:11,359 --> 00:10:13,710 then take it off to other warehouses 275 00:10:13,719 --> 00:10:15,608 throughout Gaza for , for further 276 00:10:15,608 --> 00:10:17,608 distribution . Ok . So there's that 277 00:10:17,608 --> 00:10:19,775 piece . So when I'm talking about over 278 00:10:19,775 --> 00:10:22,770 596 metric tons , that is what uh the 279 00:10:22,780 --> 00:10:25,002 US military has been able to deliver to 280 00:10:25,002 --> 00:10:27,169 the end of the causeway and then taken 281 00:10:27,169 --> 00:10:29,289 by contractors into the assembly area 282 00:10:29,659 --> 00:10:32,469 um in terms of security . So it's a , 283 00:10:32,479 --> 00:10:34,929 it's a multi I , I'm not gonna get into 284 00:10:34,940 --> 00:10:36,996 uh super specifics here , but it's , 285 00:10:36,996 --> 00:10:40,719 it's multi uh uh pronged . You've 286 00:10:40,729 --> 00:10:42,830 got uh the Israelis , of course , 287 00:10:42,840 --> 00:10:45,549 providing security on the shore also at 288 00:10:45,559 --> 00:10:48,919 sea . Uh And you also have uh you know , 289 00:10:48,929 --> 00:10:51,096 us military personnel that are able to 290 00:10:51,096 --> 00:10:53,207 defend themselves if they needed to , 291 00:10:53,207 --> 00:10:55,429 although they're not obviously going on 292 00:10:55,429 --> 00:10:57,596 to the shore . Uh And then you also in 293 00:10:57,596 --> 00:10:59,818 the , in the maritime area , there have 294 00:10:59,818 --> 00:11:01,780 uh us destroyers that are also uh 295 00:11:01,799 --> 00:11:03,855 patrolling and , and able to provide 296 00:11:03,855 --> 00:11:06,429 security . So it's a , it's a a multi 297 00:11:07,059 --> 00:11:09,599 uh step process there in terms of 298 00:11:09,609 --> 00:11:11,869 providing security , getting back to 299 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:14,102 the metric tons . It would be helpful . 300 00:11:14,102 --> 00:11:16,324 I think if we do apples and apples , if 301 00:11:16,324 --> 00:11:18,324 you're talking 90 trucks and you're 302 00:11:18,324 --> 00:11:20,324 gonna go up to 150 it would just be 303 00:11:20,324 --> 00:11:22,491 helpful for everybody . I think if you 304 00:11:22,491 --> 00:11:24,900 just say 40 trucks got in today . Yeah , 305 00:11:24,969 --> 00:11:27,900 I think , I think what you're again , 306 00:11:27,909 --> 00:11:31,039 so look as the amount of aid increases 307 00:11:31,049 --> 00:11:33,200 into the delivery of the causeway and 308 00:11:33,210 --> 00:11:35,154 you start to ramp up the number of 309 00:11:35,154 --> 00:11:37,830 trucks that are taking the aid off the 310 00:11:37,840 --> 00:11:39,951 end of the causeway and delivering it 311 00:11:39,951 --> 00:11:42,173 to the assembly areas . I mean , that's 312 00:11:42,173 --> 00:11:44,780 an interesting factoid but it doesn't 313 00:11:44,789 --> 00:11:47,200 change what the ultimate endeavor here 314 00:11:47,210 --> 00:11:49,099 is , which is to get humanitarian 315 00:11:49,099 --> 00:11:51,630 assistance to the people of Gaza . So 316 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:54,111 you know , the the real key statistic 317 00:11:54,111 --> 00:11:56,270 here is how much aid is being brought 318 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:58,520 on to the shore and then ultimately 319 00:11:58,530 --> 00:12:01,190 delivered throughout Gaza via the NGO S 320 00:12:01,200 --> 00:12:03,422 to the people of Gaza . So , you know , 321 00:12:03,422 --> 00:12:05,367 again , we'll continue to keep you 322 00:12:05,367 --> 00:12:07,422 updated on that front . I think what 323 00:12:07,422 --> 00:12:09,533 you'll see again is as this pier , uh 324 00:12:09,710 --> 00:12:12,549 you know , continues to to move towards 325 00:12:12,559 --> 00:12:14,615 full operational capability . You'll 326 00:12:14,615 --> 00:12:16,615 start to see more aid coming in and 327 00:12:16,615 --> 00:12:18,392 you'll start to see the numbers 328 00:12:18,392 --> 00:12:20,559 increase in terms of the amount of aid 329 00:12:20,559 --> 00:12:20,390 that's brought into the assembly area , 330 00:12:20,830 --> 00:12:22,608 the truck issue , how many were 331 00:12:22,608 --> 00:12:24,663 overwhelmed by Palestinians grabbing 332 00:12:24,663 --> 00:12:26,774 this stuff , you know , um you know , 333 00:12:26,774 --> 00:12:28,900 I've seen the reports um about um 334 00:12:28,909 --> 00:12:31,109 civilians uh along some of the 335 00:12:31,119 --> 00:12:33,119 transportation routes out in Gaza . 336 00:12:33,119 --> 00:12:35,341 Again , importantly , not , this is not 337 00:12:35,341 --> 00:12:37,230 in the causeway , it's not in the 338 00:12:37,230 --> 00:12:39,286 assembly areas , is out in Gaza . Um 339 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:41,599 You know , once it left that maritime 340 00:12:41,609 --> 00:12:44,250 marshaling area , uh I think we can all 341 00:12:44,260 --> 00:12:47,450 agree that that demonstrates uh the 342 00:12:47,630 --> 00:12:49,890 importance of making sure that we can 343 00:12:49,900 --> 00:12:52,510 continue to get aid into Gaza . Uh you 344 00:12:52,520 --> 00:12:54,687 know , not only by maritime routes but 345 00:12:54,687 --> 00:12:56,409 also by land routes uh and the 346 00:12:56,409 --> 00:12:58,742 desperation that's out there . So again , 347 00:12:58,742 --> 00:13:01,169 um as I mentioned earlier , there's 348 00:13:01,179 --> 00:13:03,290 been discussions today to look at how 349 00:13:03,290 --> 00:13:05,859 we can get that aid , how the NGO S can 350 00:13:05,869 --> 00:13:08,309 get that aid out into uh where it's 351 00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:10,880 needed most . So , but I I to answer 352 00:13:10,890 --> 00:13:12,723 your question , I don't have the 353 00:13:12,723 --> 00:13:14,723 specific numbers , Liz , thanks Pat 354 00:13:14,723 --> 00:13:16,612 Israeli . Officials seized camera 355 00:13:16,612 --> 00:13:18,723 equipment belonging to the associated 356 00:13:18,723 --> 00:13:20,779 press . They said the A P violated a 357 00:13:20,779 --> 00:13:22,779 new media law . Does the US support 358 00:13:22,779 --> 00:13:25,112 that move ? Of ? Of course not . I mean , 359 00:13:25,112 --> 00:13:27,279 I've seen those press reports . Um You 360 00:13:27,279 --> 00:13:29,390 know , we , we obviously support uh a 361 00:13:29,390 --> 00:13:31,501 free and independent press being able 362 00:13:31,501 --> 00:13:33,668 to do its job to tell uh the world the 363 00:13:33,668 --> 00:13:36,001 news about what's happening . And so no , 364 00:13:36,001 --> 00:13:38,223 Harry Austin , talk about this with his 365 00:13:38,223 --> 00:13:40,168 counterpart . Uh I'm not gonna get 366 00:13:40,168 --> 00:13:42,279 ahead of , of any discussions that we 367 00:13:42,279 --> 00:13:43,946 have . But again , from a dod 368 00:13:43,946 --> 00:13:46,168 standpoint standpoint , we've been very 369 00:13:46,168 --> 00:13:48,334 clear on our support uh for a free and 370 00:13:48,334 --> 00:13:51,559 independent press . Yes , sir . Since 371 00:13:51,570 --> 00:13:53,792 you were holding on the four over , I'm 372 00:13:53,792 --> 00:13:56,126 proud to be joined by all my colleagues . 373 00:13:56,126 --> 00:13:59,859 Um Now , now that uh J Lots is in place , 374 00:13:59,869 --> 00:14:03,570 um is the plan uh to continue uh us 375 00:14:03,580 --> 00:14:06,549 airdrops for a period of time ? Um The 376 00:14:06,559 --> 00:14:08,429 airdrops have been primarily in 377 00:14:08,440 --> 00:14:10,919 northern Gaza along the shore where J 378 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:14,400 Lots is generally in place . Um So will 379 00:14:14,409 --> 00:14:16,270 there be any adjustments to the 380 00:14:16,280 --> 00:14:19,760 airdrops um such as new drop zones uh 381 00:14:19,770 --> 00:14:22,390 to reach uh different parts of Gaza , 382 00:14:22,400 --> 00:14:24,567 is that under consideration ? Yeah , I 383 00:14:24,567 --> 00:14:26,733 don't , I don't have any announcements 384 00:14:26,733 --> 00:14:28,733 to make in terms of changes today , 385 00:14:28,733 --> 00:14:30,789 Chris . Uh I mean , certainly as you 386 00:14:30,789 --> 00:14:32,789 highlight airdrops are an option uh 387 00:14:32,789 --> 00:14:34,844 that we have used and are using . Uh 388 00:14:34,844 --> 00:14:36,567 but I don't , I don't have any 389 00:14:36,567 --> 00:14:38,678 announcements to make in terms of any 390 00:14:38,678 --> 00:14:40,733 shifts on in that . Uh If , if we do 391 00:14:40,733 --> 00:14:42,900 obviously keep you posted , that's for 392 00:14:42,900 --> 00:14:45,011 the time being that's planned to keep 393 00:14:45,011 --> 00:14:47,122 going the air drops . Yeah , I mean , 394 00:14:47,122 --> 00:14:47,030 again , it's an option that we have 395 00:14:47,039 --> 00:14:49,261 available to us and we've done airdrops 396 00:14:49,261 --> 00:14:51,261 again , whether that continues well 397 00:14:51,261 --> 00:14:53,372 into the future . Uh It will keep you 398 00:14:53,372 --> 00:14:55,372 posted . Ok , let me just go to the 399 00:14:55,372 --> 00:14:57,483 phone here real quick . Uh idris from 400 00:14:57,483 --> 00:14:59,595 Reuters about a couple of questions . 401 00:14:59,595 --> 00:15:01,706 Firstly , just so it's clear how many 402 00:15:01,706 --> 00:15:04,520 tons of aid um , have been delivered 403 00:15:04,530 --> 00:15:06,697 from the marshaling area to the UN and 404 00:15:06,697 --> 00:15:09,099 how many tons remain in that sort of 405 00:15:09,109 --> 00:15:10,969 holding area off the pier . And 406 00:15:10,979 --> 00:15:13,146 secondly , in these discussions , have 407 00:15:13,146 --> 00:15:15,679 you talked about um , any potential 408 00:15:15,690 --> 00:15:17,840 sort of protection , um whether it's 409 00:15:17,849 --> 00:15:19,750 armed guards or otherwise for the 410 00:15:19,760 --> 00:15:22,000 convoys because presumably these new 411 00:15:22,010 --> 00:15:24,400 routes will be figured out . Um , given 412 00:15:24,409 --> 00:15:26,719 the desperation of people in Gaza and , 413 00:15:26,729 --> 00:15:28,896 and might be overwhelmed against . Has 414 00:15:28,896 --> 00:15:31,007 there been any other talks other than 415 00:15:31,007 --> 00:15:33,229 just changing the route ? Yeah , thanks 416 00:15:33,229 --> 00:15:35,062 Idris . Uh So , you know , as it 417 00:15:35,062 --> 00:15:38,409 relates to uh the , the aid deliveries 418 00:15:38,419 --> 00:15:42,400 um by um the NGO S 419 00:15:42,409 --> 00:15:44,576 that are supporting this uh you know , 420 00:15:44,576 --> 00:15:46,798 I'd I'd really have to refer you to USA 421 00:15:46,798 --> 00:15:48,520 ID . I I just don't have those 422 00:15:48,520 --> 00:15:50,465 statistics with me right now as as 423 00:15:50,465 --> 00:15:52,576 mentioned , um I am tracking , we are 424 00:15:52,576 --> 00:15:56,119 tracking uh that um movements uh 425 00:15:56,130 --> 00:15:59,359 have begun to put additional aid , put 426 00:15:59,369 --> 00:16:01,591 some of that aid into warehouses uh for 427 00:16:01,591 --> 00:16:04,530 onward distribution uh within Gaza . Uh 428 00:16:04,539 --> 00:16:07,919 So again , uh at it for free USA ID on 429 00:16:07,929 --> 00:16:10,040 that front and then similarly , as it 430 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:13,809 relates to providing security uh for 431 00:16:13,820 --> 00:16:16,020 those NGO S , you know , that , that , 432 00:16:16,030 --> 00:16:18,799 that again is a , is a topic uh that , 433 00:16:18,809 --> 00:16:20,476 that really comes down to the 434 00:16:20,476 --> 00:16:22,609 preferences of those NGO S as I 435 00:16:22,619 --> 00:16:25,309 mentioned . Uh There continue to be 436 00:16:25,320 --> 00:16:27,729 ongoing discussions uh with , with 437 00:16:27,739 --> 00:16:30,770 Israel uh with the UN and the groups 438 00:16:30,780 --> 00:16:32,613 involved in terms of how best to 439 00:16:32,613 --> 00:16:34,780 support them when it comes to ensuring 440 00:16:34,780 --> 00:16:36,947 that aid can be distributed . And as I 441 00:16:36,947 --> 00:16:38,947 mentioned , you know , one of those 442 00:16:38,947 --> 00:16:41,002 approaches is , uh using alternative 443 00:16:41,002 --> 00:16:43,169 routes . Um , but it's really best for 444 00:16:43,169 --> 00:16:45,391 them to talk about their preferences in 445 00:16:45,391 --> 00:16:47,613 terms of , uh , of how they prefer , uh 446 00:16:47,613 --> 00:16:49,669 to have security , uh , as they , as 447 00:16:49,669 --> 00:16:51,891 they conduct their routes . Again , you 448 00:16:51,891 --> 00:16:54,169 know , obviously us military is not in , 449 00:16:54,169 --> 00:16:56,336 involved in that particular piece , in 450 00:16:56,336 --> 00:16:58,280 terms of escorting , you know , we 451 00:16:58,280 --> 00:16:57,849 don't have any forces on the ground . 452 00:16:57,859 --> 00:17:00,081 Um , but obviously something that we're 453 00:17:00,081 --> 00:17:02,989 continuing to , to monitor . Um but um 454 00:17:03,080 --> 00:17:05,302 you know , again , I'd refer you to USA 455 00:17:05,302 --> 00:17:07,413 ID on that one . Let me go to uh Jeff 456 00:17:07,413 --> 00:17:10,188 Shog task and purpose . Thank you . 457 00:17:10,198 --> 00:17:13,168 Just a quick clarification . 1st 569 or 458 00:17:13,178 --> 00:17:17,119 596 metric tons and the second is uh 459 00:17:17,129 --> 00:17:19,379 an expert has said that the Russians 460 00:17:19,389 --> 00:17:22,938 now have 510,000 troops uh 461 00:17:22,948 --> 00:17:25,718 involved in the war with Ukraine . The 462 00:17:25,729 --> 00:17:27,698 expert is from the Royal United 463 00:17:27,708 --> 00:17:29,764 Services Institute . I'm wondering , 464 00:17:29,764 --> 00:17:33,698 can dod confirm that number or , or say 465 00:17:33,708 --> 00:17:36,609 that's about right ? 510,000 . Yeah , 466 00:17:36,619 --> 00:17:39,250 thanks . Uh Jeff . So to clarify , um 467 00:17:39,260 --> 00:17:42,569 it's 569 metric tons . 468 00:17:43,099 --> 00:17:46,140 Um If I , if I said 96 I apologize . 469 00:17:46,150 --> 00:17:49,109 It's 569 . Um And then I'm sorry , can 470 00:17:49,119 --> 00:17:51,810 you say your second question again ? Uh 471 00:17:51,819 --> 00:17:54,479 Sure . Uh an expert with the Royal 472 00:17:54,489 --> 00:17:56,869 United Services Institute has estimated 473 00:17:56,880 --> 00:17:59,670 the Russians now have 510,000 troops 474 00:17:59,680 --> 00:18:01,939 involved in the war in Ukraine , which 475 00:18:01,949 --> 00:18:03,838 is much more than was part of the 476 00:18:03,838 --> 00:18:06,619 initial invasion can dod say . Is that 477 00:18:06,630 --> 00:18:09,469 figure ? Does that sound right ? Yeah , 478 00:18:09,479 --> 00:18:11,701 thanks Jeff . Um , so I don't , I don't 479 00:18:11,701 --> 00:18:13,979 have a specific number to provide other 480 00:18:13,989 --> 00:18:16,211 than to say , you know , that , that we 481 00:18:16,211 --> 00:18:18,378 do know that there's tens of thousands 482 00:18:18,378 --> 00:18:20,600 of Russian forces inside Ukraine , uh , 483 00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:22,500 continuing to , uh , you know , 484 00:18:22,510 --> 00:18:24,843 depending on where they're located , uh , 485 00:18:24,843 --> 00:18:27,066 down near Kharkiv , of course , uh they 486 00:18:27,066 --> 00:18:29,160 have uh are conducting a renewed 487 00:18:29,170 --> 00:18:33,099 offensive uh making some um small 488 00:18:33,109 --> 00:18:35,520 gains . Um And then of course , forces 489 00:18:35,530 --> 00:18:37,863 along that whole forward line of troops , 490 00:18:37,863 --> 00:18:40,141 but I , I'm just not able to provide a , 491 00:18:40,141 --> 00:18:42,363 a specific number for you . Thank you . 492 00:18:42,363 --> 00:18:44,530 Let me come back into the room . Yes . 493 00:18:44,530 --> 00:18:46,586 Thank you staying in the region . Um 494 00:18:46,586 --> 00:18:48,859 Can you please uh confirm general that 495 00:18:48,869 --> 00:18:51,319 the United States military was asked to 496 00:18:51,329 --> 00:18:54,079 assist with the Iranian search and 497 00:18:54,089 --> 00:18:57,760 rescue operations on Sunday ? Um So I'd , 498 00:18:57,770 --> 00:18:59,881 I'd have to refer you to , yeah , I'd 499 00:18:59,881 --> 00:19:01,992 have to refer you to State Department 500 00:19:01,992 --> 00:19:03,937 on that . Uh I , I know from a dod 501 00:19:03,937 --> 00:19:06,048 standpoint , we were not requested to 502 00:19:06,048 --> 00:19:08,214 provide any support now . So I'd , I'd 503 00:19:08,214 --> 00:19:10,437 refer you to state . I , I believe they 504 00:19:10,437 --> 00:19:12,603 had some comments to that effect , but 505 00:19:12,603 --> 00:19:12,500 I don't have anything if I can have a 506 00:19:12,510 --> 00:19:15,130 follow up the fact that it was um a 507 00:19:15,140 --> 00:19:17,307 Turkish surveillance drawing of a NATO 508 00:19:17,307 --> 00:19:19,251 country that ended up locating the 509 00:19:19,251 --> 00:19:21,029 crash out of a , of the Iranian 510 00:19:21,029 --> 00:19:23,029 presidential helicopter . What does 511 00:19:23,029 --> 00:19:24,973 that , what does that say ? Do you 512 00:19:24,973 --> 00:19:27,415 think about Iran's capabilities in the 513 00:19:27,425 --> 00:19:29,425 region that they couldn't have been 514 00:19:29,425 --> 00:19:31,755 located their own ? Yeah , I mean , I 515 00:19:31,765 --> 00:19:33,765 appreciate the question . I'm , you 516 00:19:33,765 --> 00:19:35,765 know , not going to comment on , on 517 00:19:35,765 --> 00:19:37,376 what their search and rescue 518 00:19:37,376 --> 00:19:39,709 capabilities are or not . Um , you know , 519 00:19:39,709 --> 00:19:42,185 certainly it's not unusual to request 520 00:19:42,194 --> 00:19:44,474 assistance from neighbors in these 521 00:19:44,484 --> 00:19:46,817 types of situations . And so , you know , 522 00:19:46,817 --> 00:19:48,873 I just leave it there . Let me go to 523 00:19:48,873 --> 00:19:50,984 Janie and I'll come back to the other 524 00:19:50,984 --> 00:19:54,010 room . Thank you , General uh on the 525 00:19:54,020 --> 00:19:57,079 Russia and China Russian President 526 00:19:57,089 --> 00:19:59,359 Putin and the Chinese President Xi 527 00:19:59,430 --> 00:20:02,479 Jinping said during their meeting last 528 00:20:02,489 --> 00:20:05,869 week that they opposed threatening 529 00:20:05,880 --> 00:20:09,380 actions in the military field by the 530 00:20:09,390 --> 00:20:13,300 United States and its allies . And the 531 00:20:13,310 --> 00:20:16,489 Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said 532 00:20:16,500 --> 00:20:20,349 again today that United States and 533 00:20:20,359 --> 00:20:23,949 its allies are escalating tensions on 534 00:20:23,959 --> 00:20:27,130 Korean Peninsula provoking 535 00:20:27,140 --> 00:20:31,069 confrontation with North Korea . 536 00:20:31,199 --> 00:20:34,670 How will the Pentagon reaction to this ? 537 00:20:35,459 --> 00:20:37,849 Uh Well , you know , I'm not going to 538 00:20:37,859 --> 00:20:40,550 comment , comment on anything said by 539 00:20:40,560 --> 00:20:42,671 the Russian Foreign Minister . What I 540 00:20:42,671 --> 00:20:45,209 will do is highlight that the peace , 541 00:20:45,219 --> 00:20:48,319 security and stability that the US rok 542 00:20:48,329 --> 00:20:50,496 alliance has brought to the region and 543 00:20:50,496 --> 00:20:53,310 beyond . Uh despite the provocations 544 00:20:53,319 --> 00:20:55,097 and rhetorical threats that are 545 00:20:55,097 --> 00:20:57,449 emanating from the D . Pr K uh really 546 00:20:57,459 --> 00:21:00,130 are testament to the relationship that 547 00:21:00,140 --> 00:21:03,390 our two countries have uh and towards 548 00:21:03,400 --> 00:21:06,020 the efforts that the US , Rok Japan and 549 00:21:06,030 --> 00:21:08,252 other allies and partners in the region 550 00:21:08,252 --> 00:21:10,310 have really done uh over many , many 551 00:21:10,319 --> 00:21:12,290 decades to uphold stability and 552 00:21:12,300 --> 00:21:14,300 security throughout the region . So 553 00:21:14,300 --> 00:21:16,356 we're going to continue to work with 554 00:21:16,356 --> 00:21:18,411 our allies towards that end . Uh And 555 00:21:18,411 --> 00:21:20,522 when it comes to our mutual defense , 556 00:21:20,522 --> 00:21:22,969 we'll continue to work with both the 557 00:21:22,979 --> 00:21:24,979 rok and the Japanese governments to 558 00:21:24,979 --> 00:21:27,160 address any threats that are posed by 559 00:21:27,170 --> 00:21:29,469 the D Pr K . And of course , as we've 560 00:21:29,479 --> 00:21:31,939 always said that we encourage the D Pr 561 00:21:31,949 --> 00:21:34,219 K to return to substantive discussions 562 00:21:34,229 --> 00:21:36,660 on identifying ways to manage those 563 00:21:36,670 --> 00:21:39,579 risks and to create a lasting peace on 564 00:21:39,589 --> 00:21:42,140 the Korean Peninsula . How can you say 565 00:21:42,150 --> 00:21:44,819 about the President Putin and President 566 00:21:44,829 --> 00:21:48,410 Xi Jinping who do not point out North 567 00:21:48,420 --> 00:21:52,010 Korea's continued beside launch and 568 00:21:52,020 --> 00:21:55,170 dangerous behavior . Uh You know , 569 00:21:55,180 --> 00:21:58,069 again , I , I think um the , the 570 00:21:58,079 --> 00:22:00,589 relationship uh that we see developing 571 00:22:00,599 --> 00:22:04,079 between North Korea and Russia uh is 572 00:22:04,089 --> 00:22:06,699 certainly concerning . Uh and I , and I 573 00:22:06,709 --> 00:22:09,079 think we see uh in many ways , you know , 574 00:22:09,089 --> 00:22:13,079 Russia , uh looking to , to help 575 00:22:13,089 --> 00:22:16,079 bolster its ability to conduct its 576 00:22:16,089 --> 00:22:18,033 illegal and aggressive campaign in 577 00:22:18,033 --> 00:22:21,010 Ukraine . Uh And so , you know , I just 578 00:22:21,020 --> 00:22:23,359 think it's uh indicative of the 579 00:22:23,369 --> 00:22:25,036 situation that they find them 580 00:22:25,036 --> 00:22:27,202 themselves in . But again , what we're 581 00:22:27,202 --> 00:22:29,258 going to stay focused on is regional 582 00:22:29,258 --> 00:22:31,313 security and stability , not only in 583 00:22:31,313 --> 00:22:33,258 the Indo Pacific region , but also 584 00:22:33,258 --> 00:22:35,258 throughout Europe . And we're gonna 585 00:22:35,258 --> 00:22:37,313 work with our like minded allies and 586 00:22:37,313 --> 00:22:39,480 partners to prevent broader conflict . 587 00:22:39,480 --> 00:22:41,880 Uh And again , uh try to send a strong 588 00:22:41,890 --> 00:22:45,449 signal that the kind of bullying and 589 00:22:45,459 --> 00:22:47,515 provocative behavior that we've seen 590 00:22:47,515 --> 00:22:49,737 from Russia as it relates to Ukraine is 591 00:22:49,737 --> 00:22:51,737 not acceptable ? All right , let me 592 00:22:51,737 --> 00:22:53,959 move on constant . Thanks , Pat . Um So 593 00:22:53,959 --> 00:22:56,070 to your , to your point about sort of 594 00:22:56,070 --> 00:22:58,237 the J lots trucks and making apples to 595 00:22:58,237 --> 00:23:00,403 apples comparisons . Um Can you say on 596 00:23:00,403 --> 00:23:02,459 average how much one truckload ? How 597 00:23:02,459 --> 00:23:05,020 many tons that is just so that we can 598 00:23:05,030 --> 00:23:08,359 get a sense of and then um the 599 00:23:08,369 --> 00:23:10,400 569 metric tons , are you able to 600 00:23:10,410 --> 00:23:12,466 estimate how many people that , that 601 00:23:12,466 --> 00:23:16,030 aid is able to feed ? Um Let me take 602 00:23:16,040 --> 00:23:18,040 those questions for you . I I don't 603 00:23:18,040 --> 00:23:20,262 have them in front of me . Thanks Lou . 604 00:23:20,262 --> 00:23:22,579 Yeah . Um early on um two points um 605 00:23:23,250 --> 00:23:25,859 early on you when we announced when the 606 00:23:25,869 --> 00:23:29,219 United States announced J Lots um from 607 00:23:29,229 --> 00:23:31,560 the podium , it was said that between 608 00:23:31,569 --> 00:23:34,739 90 100 and 50 trucks equivalents that 609 00:23:34,750 --> 00:23:37,000 would ramp up to or be the same as 2 610 00:23:37,010 --> 00:23:40,280 million meals a day . Are you stepping 611 00:23:40,290 --> 00:23:42,849 back from th those comparisons that you 612 00:23:42,859 --> 00:23:45,026 made based on your new comment today ? 613 00:23:45,026 --> 00:23:47,192 That you're Yeah , because what , what 614 00:23:47,192 --> 00:23:46,900 we're talking about here is a 615 00:23:46,910 --> 00:23:50,060 capability . And again , I think if we , 616 00:23:50,069 --> 00:23:52,291 you know , and again , I mean , I fully 617 00:23:52,291 --> 00:23:54,013 understand the interest in the 618 00:23:54,013 --> 00:23:56,069 statistics and you know , and that , 619 00:23:56,069 --> 00:23:58,236 that all makes sense and , and again , 620 00:23:58,236 --> 00:23:59,958 we'll continue to provide that 621 00:23:59,958 --> 00:24:01,958 information . But if we take a step 622 00:24:01,958 --> 00:24:04,180 back here and look at the the forest of 623 00:24:04,180 --> 00:24:06,402 the trees . This is a capability . It's 624 00:24:06,402 --> 00:24:08,569 essentially another avenue by which we 625 00:24:08,569 --> 00:24:11,119 can get aid into Gaza . Uh you know , 626 00:24:11,130 --> 00:24:13,760 despite all of the challenges as it 627 00:24:13,770 --> 00:24:16,060 pertains to land routes and , and land 628 00:24:16,069 --> 00:24:18,140 crossings , uh it provides another 629 00:24:18,150 --> 00:24:20,206 mechanism by which the international 630 00:24:20,206 --> 00:24:22,317 community can get aid into Gaza . And 631 00:24:22,317 --> 00:24:24,483 so that is , that is the the strategic 632 00:24:24,483 --> 00:24:26,428 goal here , right is to be able to 633 00:24:26,428 --> 00:24:28,660 facilitate the delivery of that aid . 634 00:24:29,130 --> 00:24:31,290 Uh And so as it , as it relates to J 635 00:24:31,319 --> 00:24:33,541 lots , uh what we're talking about it , 636 00:24:33,541 --> 00:24:35,939 it has the capacity to do that . And so 637 00:24:35,949 --> 00:24:37,727 as we continue to work with the 638 00:24:37,727 --> 00:24:40,119 international community and receive 639 00:24:40,130 --> 00:24:42,500 additional aid and start to be able to , 640 00:24:42,520 --> 00:24:45,800 to get that outward , um I think you'll 641 00:24:45,810 --> 00:24:49,030 see those , those numbers go up but 642 00:24:49,040 --> 00:24:51,339 reaching the 90 to 100 and 50 that you 643 00:24:51,349 --> 00:24:53,405 said from the podium or I mean , has 644 00:24:53,405 --> 00:24:55,571 the capacity to do that , right ? So , 645 00:24:55,571 --> 00:24:57,793 I mean , that's again , what we'll work 646 00:24:57,793 --> 00:25:00,071 towards and , and of course , you know , 647 00:25:00,071 --> 00:25:02,182 as more aid comes in , we'll we'll do 648 00:25:02,182 --> 00:25:04,405 that . Um Obviously you have to pick up 649 00:25:04,405 --> 00:25:06,571 the aid from Cyprus and , and that aid 650 00:25:06,571 --> 00:25:08,738 has to be there . And so again , as we 651 00:25:08,738 --> 00:25:10,960 continue to work with the international 652 00:25:10,960 --> 00:25:13,127 community and , and partners that want 653 00:25:13,127 --> 00:25:15,293 to use that avenue of approach , so to 654 00:25:15,293 --> 00:25:17,405 speak , um it'll have the capacity to 655 00:25:17,405 --> 00:25:19,405 do that and the other at the United 656 00:25:19,405 --> 00:25:21,293 Nations , US representative , the 657 00:25:21,293 --> 00:25:21,280 United Nations talked about how last 658 00:25:21,290 --> 00:25:24,459 week Russia launched an anti satellite 659 00:25:24,469 --> 00:25:28,069 weapon , potentially the same , same 660 00:25:28,079 --> 00:25:31,020 altitude as an American uh satellite . 661 00:25:31,030 --> 00:25:33,197 Um Is this a concern ? Can you confirm 662 00:25:33,197 --> 00:25:35,308 that information that is presented at 663 00:25:35,308 --> 00:25:37,474 the United Nations ? And what is the , 664 00:25:37,474 --> 00:25:39,670 what is the message uh if you have a ? 665 00:25:40,050 --> 00:25:43,930 Yeah , so um and what I'm tracking here 666 00:25:43,939 --> 00:25:45,828 is on May 16th , as you highlight 667 00:25:45,828 --> 00:25:47,883 Russia launched a satellite into low 668 00:25:47,883 --> 00:25:49,969 earth orbit . Uh that we , that we 669 00:25:49,979 --> 00:25:52,260 assess is likely a counter space weapon 670 00:25:52,599 --> 00:25:54,900 uh presumably capable of attacking 671 00:25:54,910 --> 00:25:57,021 other satellites in low earth orbit . 672 00:25:57,119 --> 00:25:59,119 Uh Russia deployed this new counter 673 00:25:59,119 --> 00:26:01,230 space weapon into the same orbit as a 674 00:26:01,230 --> 00:26:03,229 US government satellite . And so 675 00:26:03,239 --> 00:26:04,859 assessments further indicate 676 00:26:05,329 --> 00:26:07,790 characteristics resembling previously 677 00:26:07,800 --> 00:26:10,022 deployed counter space payloads uh from 678 00:26:10,022 --> 00:26:13,910 2019 and 2022 . Um And 679 00:26:13,920 --> 00:26:15,753 so , you know , obviously that's 680 00:26:15,753 --> 00:26:18,087 something that will continue to monitor . 681 00:26:18,087 --> 00:26:20,910 Uh Certainly we would say that uh we 682 00:26:20,920 --> 00:26:22,976 have a responsibility to be ready to 683 00:26:22,976 --> 00:26:25,510 protect and defend uh the domain , the 684 00:26:25,520 --> 00:26:27,687 space domain and ensure continuous and 685 00:26:27,687 --> 00:26:29,853 uninterrupted support to the joint and 686 00:26:29,853 --> 00:26:32,349 combined force . Um And we'll continue 687 00:26:32,359 --> 00:26:34,303 to balance the need to protect our 688 00:26:34,303 --> 00:26:36,470 interests and space with our desire to 689 00:26:36,470 --> 00:26:38,692 preserve a stable and sustainable space 690 00:26:38,692 --> 00:26:40,859 environment does pose a threat to that 691 00:26:40,859 --> 00:26:42,526 government satellite , the US 692 00:26:42,526 --> 00:26:44,526 government satellite right now . Um 693 00:26:44,526 --> 00:26:46,650 Well , it's a counter space weapon in 694 00:26:46,660 --> 00:26:48,549 the same orbit as a US government 695 00:26:48,549 --> 00:26:52,000 satellite . So , yes , sir . 696 00:26:52,670 --> 00:26:55,130 Uh yesterday we heard the secretary on 697 00:26:55,140 --> 00:26:57,310 his views about striking targets in 698 00:26:57,319 --> 00:26:59,486 Russia with American weapons . But can 699 00:26:59,486 --> 00:27:01,597 you explain why Ukrainians cannot use 700 00:27:01,597 --> 00:27:03,969 those capabilities to strike back and 701 00:27:03,979 --> 00:27:06,146 respond to these attacks ? But not for 702 00:27:06,146 --> 00:27:08,146 Russian . I mean , we know that the 703 00:27:08,146 --> 00:27:10,201 Pentagon does not support that , but 704 00:27:10,201 --> 00:27:10,180 what's the reasoning behind this 705 00:27:10,189 --> 00:27:12,650 approach ? Well , you know , look , uh 706 00:27:12,660 --> 00:27:14,993 as the secretary highlighted , you know , 707 00:27:14,993 --> 00:27:18,859 our policy hasn't changed , um we are 708 00:27:18,869 --> 00:27:20,758 focused on providing Ukraine with 709 00:27:20,758 --> 00:27:22,813 capabilities that it needs to defend 710 00:27:22,813 --> 00:27:25,160 itself uh within Ukraine uh Ukrainian 711 00:27:25,170 --> 00:27:27,569 sovereign territory . Uh And so , you 712 00:27:27,579 --> 00:27:29,690 know , we understand that we're going 713 00:27:29,690 --> 00:27:31,912 to continue to have those conversations 714 00:27:31,912 --> 00:27:34,079 with our Ukrainian partners as well as 715 00:27:34,079 --> 00:27:36,301 our international allies and partners . 716 00:27:36,301 --> 00:27:38,135 Uh when it comes to the kinds of 717 00:27:38,135 --> 00:27:40,135 capabilities to include air defense 718 00:27:40,135 --> 00:27:42,246 that Ukraine needs to defend itself . 719 00:27:42,246 --> 00:27:44,357 So I'm just going to leave it there . 720 00:27:44,357 --> 00:27:46,579 Secretary also said that aerial dynamic 721 00:27:46,579 --> 00:27:48,635 is a little bit different . So could 722 00:27:48,635 --> 00:27:50,915 you please clarify that ? Does this 723 00:27:50,925 --> 00:27:53,584 mean that restrictions do not apply to 724 00:27:53,665 --> 00:27:55,887 air defense ? And Ukraine basically can 725 00:27:55,887 --> 00:27:57,832 strike targets that are in Russian 726 00:27:57,832 --> 00:27:59,887 territory with those area defenses ? 727 00:27:59,887 --> 00:28:01,998 Yeah . So , you know , again , as the 728 00:28:01,998 --> 00:28:04,109 secretary highlighted , I'm , I'm not 729 00:28:04,109 --> 00:28:06,332 going to get into picking apart a bunch 730 00:28:06,332 --> 00:28:08,387 of different scenarios . Again , the 731 00:28:08,387 --> 00:28:10,276 strategic intent here is enabling 732 00:28:10,276 --> 00:28:12,498 Ukraine to defend itself and defend its 733 00:28:12,498 --> 00:28:14,832 sovereign territory . And so , you know , 734 00:28:14,832 --> 00:28:16,887 if and when we have anything else to 735 00:28:16,887 --> 00:28:18,943 provide on that certainly will , but 736 00:28:18,943 --> 00:28:18,719 I'm just going to leave it there . Yes , 737 00:28:18,729 --> 00:28:20,840 sir . Thank you very much . General . 738 00:28:20,840 --> 00:28:22,896 Uh , my first question is about this 739 00:28:22,896 --> 00:28:25,062 lady , Doctor Afia Viki . She has been 740 00:28:25,062 --> 00:28:27,340 in the US prison for the last 15 years . 741 00:28:27,340 --> 00:28:30,050 Uh , she was accused of killing us 742 00:28:30,060 --> 00:28:33,339 soldiers in Afghanistan but , uh , uh , 743 00:28:33,349 --> 00:28:36,359 no , us soldier was killed . Uh , a US 744 00:28:36,369 --> 00:28:38,410 lawyer , British American lawyer , 745 00:28:38,420 --> 00:28:40,819 Clive Stor Smith went to Afghanistan 746 00:28:40,829 --> 00:28:43,349 just last week to , uh , provide some 747 00:28:43,359 --> 00:28:45,699 more , uh , evidence that she had no 748 00:28:45,709 --> 00:28:49,119 role or uh , she's innocent . Uh , the 749 00:28:49,130 --> 00:28:51,469 lady is half dead . Uh I've been 750 00:28:51,479 --> 00:28:54,339 raising voice for her , uh , release . 751 00:28:54,349 --> 00:28:56,880 Can the secretary look into this , uh , 752 00:28:56,890 --> 00:28:58,989 lady's issue ? And , uh , because I 753 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:00,944 feel like this whole bureaucracy , 754 00:29:00,944 --> 00:29:03,160 bureaucratic issue is hurtling her 755 00:29:03,170 --> 00:29:05,969 release . Yeah , I appreciate the 756 00:29:05,979 --> 00:29:08,640 question familiar with the Siddiqui 757 00:29:08,650 --> 00:29:10,872 case , but I'd have to refer you to the 758 00:29:10,872 --> 00:29:13,094 Department of Justice for any questions 759 00:29:13,094 --> 00:29:15,150 on that . Just one word . And if you 760 00:29:15,150 --> 00:29:16,983 can keep it short , please , the 761 00:29:16,983 --> 00:29:19,219 Pakistan and the US recently had a 762 00:29:19,270 --> 00:29:22,265 security talks and the handout they 763 00:29:22,275 --> 00:29:24,625 released was the last two words were 764 00:29:24,635 --> 00:29:27,275 global security and fight against Isis 765 00:29:27,594 --> 00:29:29,650 on this podium when General mckenzie 766 00:29:29,650 --> 00:29:31,705 was here , I had asked him six years 767 00:29:31,705 --> 00:29:33,483 ago , seven years ago that ISIS 768 00:29:33,483 --> 00:29:35,538 fighters were coming to Pakistan , I 769 00:29:35,538 --> 00:29:37,483 mean to Afghanistan and that whole 770 00:29:37,483 --> 00:29:40,385 bordering region . Do you see a new 771 00:29:40,395 --> 00:29:43,744 level of global terrorism again rising 772 00:29:43,755 --> 00:29:46,015 from that region in the shape of ISIS 773 00:29:46,025 --> 00:29:49,050 now ? Well , I mean ISIS K has been a , 774 00:29:49,060 --> 00:29:51,116 a threat in the region for a while . 775 00:29:51,116 --> 00:29:53,004 It's , it's one of many terrorist 776 00:29:53,004 --> 00:29:54,838 groups that we know , operate uh 777 00:29:54,838 --> 00:29:57,116 throughout that region . And of course , 778 00:29:57,116 --> 00:29:58,782 uh the US and Pakistan have a 779 00:29:58,782 --> 00:30:01,469 counterterrorism uh cooper operation uh 780 00:30:01,479 --> 00:30:04,359 effort that's been long standing . And 781 00:30:04,369 --> 00:30:07,089 so certainly as it relates to regional 782 00:30:07,099 --> 00:30:09,189 threats , like uh ISIS or other 783 00:30:09,199 --> 00:30:11,199 terrorist groups , you know , we'll 784 00:30:11,199 --> 00:30:12,921 continue to , to work with our 785 00:30:12,921 --> 00:30:15,032 Pakistani partners uh to confront and 786 00:30:15,032 --> 00:30:17,088 address that issue . Um I think it's 787 00:30:17,088 --> 00:30:19,199 just one of those things that we have 788 00:30:19,199 --> 00:30:21,421 to continue to take seriously . And the 789 00:30:21,421 --> 00:30:23,477 last thing I'd say is if you look at 790 00:30:23,477 --> 00:30:23,119 our national defense strategy , it 791 00:30:23,130 --> 00:30:26,660 recognizes the fact uh that countering 792 00:30:26,670 --> 00:30:28,726 violent extremist organizations like 793 00:30:28,726 --> 00:30:30,948 ISIS will continue to be important part 794 00:30:30,948 --> 00:30:33,114 of our national defense strategy . Let 795 00:30:33,114 --> 00:30:35,226 me go to Joseph and then I'll come to 796 00:30:35,226 --> 00:30:37,670 fight . I got one on Russia and one on 797 00:30:37,680 --> 00:30:39,839 Gaza , the Russian and I'm sorry if I 798 00:30:39,849 --> 00:30:42,016 missed this earlier , but the Russians 799 00:30:42,016 --> 00:30:43,960 announced that they had started uh 800 00:30:43,960 --> 00:30:45,905 tactical nuclear weapons exercises 801 00:30:45,905 --> 00:30:48,127 today . Do you guys have any comment on 802 00:30:48,127 --> 00:30:50,016 that ? Is there any uh heightened 803 00:30:50,016 --> 00:30:52,182 concern that they could be potentially 804 00:30:52,182 --> 00:30:54,349 use nuclear weapons in the near term ? 805 00:30:54,349 --> 00:30:56,460 And then , uh secondly , can you talk 806 00:30:56,460 --> 00:30:58,793 about or elaborate on any updated plans ? 807 00:30:58,793 --> 00:31:00,793 The Israelis have provided you with 808 00:31:00,793 --> 00:31:02,905 potential larger scale or large scale 809 00:31:02,905 --> 00:31:05,016 invasion of Rafa ? Yeah , on the , on 810 00:31:05,016 --> 00:31:07,300 the Russian exercises . Um I don't , 811 00:31:07,310 --> 00:31:09,477 don't have anything additional provide 812 00:31:09,477 --> 00:31:12,619 again . Um You know , we , we've seen 813 00:31:12,630 --> 00:31:15,819 that rhetoric , uh in terms of the 814 00:31:15,829 --> 00:31:17,885 threat to use nuclear weapons , it's 815 00:31:17,885 --> 00:31:20,599 irresponsible uh inappropriate . Uh And 816 00:31:20,609 --> 00:31:22,498 I'll just leave it there uh as it 817 00:31:22,498 --> 00:31:25,390 relates to Rafa uh uh to my knowledge , 818 00:31:25,400 --> 00:31:27,819 uh the Israelis have not provided us 819 00:31:27,829 --> 00:31:29,996 with a , a more detailed understanding 820 00:31:29,996 --> 00:31:32,107 although those conversations continue 821 00:31:32,107 --> 00:31:35,270 as you know , uh um Mr Sullivan , uh 822 00:31:35,280 --> 00:31:37,180 the national security adviser was 823 00:31:37,189 --> 00:31:40,640 recently is in Israel . Um but to my 824 00:31:40,650 --> 00:31:42,317 knowledge , uh don't have any 825 00:31:42,317 --> 00:31:44,483 additional information on that front . 826 00:31:44,483 --> 00:31:46,594 And what we do see in Rafah continues 827 00:31:46,594 --> 00:31:49,670 to be limited operation near the Rafah 828 00:31:49,680 --> 00:31:52,530 Gate . Is there any concern that the 829 00:31:52,540 --> 00:31:55,130 decision by the IC C couldn't beat on 830 00:31:55,140 --> 00:31:56,918 any potential travel by Israeli 831 00:31:56,918 --> 00:31:59,209 officials here . I'm not tracking any 832 00:31:59,219 --> 00:32:01,441 concerns in that regard Fadi . So thank 833 00:32:01,441 --> 00:32:03,552 you general , I believe you said this 834 00:32:03,552 --> 00:32:06,219 operation , the causeway , it's three 835 00:32:06,229 --> 00:32:09,359 days , right ? March 17th was the first 836 00:32:09,369 --> 00:32:11,670 day of on Friday . So today is Tuesday 837 00:32:11,680 --> 00:32:13,902 night in the region . So it's been five 838 00:32:13,902 --> 00:32:16,013 days . See , that's what happens when 839 00:32:16,013 --> 00:32:18,013 you work here at Dod . I don't even 840 00:32:18,013 --> 00:32:20,124 know what day it is . 500 . Thank you 841 00:32:20,124 --> 00:32:22,319 for pointing that out and 69 metric 842 00:32:22,329 --> 00:32:24,829 tons . Is it , am I accurate to say 843 00:32:24,900 --> 00:32:27,011 zero has been delivered to the people 844 00:32:27,011 --> 00:32:30,069 of Gaza ? So far you'd have to check 845 00:32:30,079 --> 00:32:32,135 with uh the World Food Program . I I 846 00:32:32,135 --> 00:32:34,190 know that aid is getting in but it's 847 00:32:34,190 --> 00:32:36,079 not accurate that no aid has been 848 00:32:36,079 --> 00:32:38,301 delivered . You know , we've been doing 849 00:32:38,301 --> 00:32:40,301 airdrops . Uh We've been helping to 850 00:32:40,301 --> 00:32:42,301 facilitate aid coming over the rand 851 00:32:42,301 --> 00:32:44,412 clan crossings . But the causeway has 852 00:32:44,412 --> 00:32:46,412 been able to get uh over 569 metric 853 00:32:46,412 --> 00:32:48,246 tons of aid into Gaza for onward 854 00:32:48,246 --> 00:32:50,680 delivery . So yes , very shortly . I 855 00:32:50,689 --> 00:32:52,689 think you'll see aid starting to be 856 00:32:52,689 --> 00:32:55,400 delivered delivered right as of today , 857 00:32:55,510 --> 00:32:58,949 as of today , I do not believe so . And 858 00:32:59,650 --> 00:33:01,430 is Israel you said Israel is 859 00:33:01,439 --> 00:33:03,495 cooperating on this trying to help ? 860 00:33:03,495 --> 00:33:05,606 But it seems from what you said , the 861 00:33:05,606 --> 00:33:07,772 desperation of people created security 862 00:33:07,772 --> 00:33:09,995 issues for the distribution of aid from 863 00:33:09,995 --> 00:33:11,606 the assembly area . And that 864 00:33:11,606 --> 00:33:13,828 desperation is related to the fact that 865 00:33:13,828 --> 00:33:16,599 Israel is shutting down uh aid routes , 866 00:33:16,609 --> 00:33:18,331 right ? So we're shifting from 867 00:33:18,331 --> 00:33:20,553 questions to editorializing . I'm gonna 868 00:33:20,553 --> 00:33:22,498 go ahead and go to somebody else . 869 00:33:22,498 --> 00:33:24,665 Let's go to Tom Watkins , the National 870 00:33:24,665 --> 00:33:26,831 Thanks General . Um Yeah , a couple of 871 00:33:26,831 --> 00:33:30,050 questions . Um If I may so NBC and the 872 00:33:30,060 --> 00:33:32,890 New York Times reported um that there 873 00:33:32,900 --> 00:33:35,910 was very nearly a , a transfer of 11 or 874 00:33:35,920 --> 00:33:39,469 12 detainees from Gitmo . Um But then 875 00:33:39,479 --> 00:33:41,368 October the seventh happened . Uh 876 00:33:41,368 --> 00:33:43,949 You're able to , to confirm that . Uh 877 00:33:43,959 --> 00:33:46,170 And then my second question is , um 878 00:33:46,180 --> 00:33:48,402 does Secretary Austin have any reaction 879 00:33:48,402 --> 00:33:50,513 to the um IC C prosecutor seeking the 880 00:33:50,513 --> 00:33:53,500 arrest warrant for um Y Gallant ? And 881 00:33:53,510 --> 00:33:55,454 has the secretary um spoken to him 882 00:33:55,454 --> 00:33:58,599 since that ? Yeah . Thanks Tom on the 883 00:33:58,609 --> 00:34:02,339 uh on the uh Guantanamo question . 884 00:34:02,569 --> 00:34:04,900 Um obviously saw those press reports . 885 00:34:04,910 --> 00:34:07,077 I'll have to take that question uh for 886 00:34:07,077 --> 00:34:09,379 you . Uh the secretary has not spoken 887 00:34:09,389 --> 00:34:11,689 to his Israeli counterpart , although 888 00:34:11,699 --> 00:34:13,810 as you know , they speak frequently . 889 00:34:13,810 --> 00:34:15,477 Uh so , you know , uh I would 890 00:34:15,477 --> 00:34:17,199 anticipate that he'll have the 891 00:34:17,199 --> 00:34:19,143 opportunity to speak to him soon . 892 00:34:19,143 --> 00:34:21,255 Don't have anything to announce right 893 00:34:21,255 --> 00:34:20,780 now , but certainly we'll , we'll 894 00:34:20,790 --> 00:34:22,790 provide a read out as it relates to 895 00:34:22,790 --> 00:34:25,149 that conversation . All right , come 896 00:34:25,159 --> 00:34:27,270 back into the room here . Yes , sir . 897 00:34:27,270 --> 00:34:29,179 Thank you General . A couple of 898 00:34:29,189 --> 00:34:31,189 questions on Iran . Do you have any 899 00:34:31,189 --> 00:34:34,030 information about exactly what caused 900 00:34:34,040 --> 00:34:35,984 the Iranian President's helicopter 901 00:34:35,984 --> 00:34:38,739 crash ? And secondly , do you expect 902 00:34:38,750 --> 00:34:42,050 any foreign uh policy change from Iran ? 903 00:34:42,060 --> 00:34:45,330 Especially from supporting this pro um 904 00:34:45,340 --> 00:34:47,989 So no , we don't have any insight into 905 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:50,111 what caused the helicopter crash . Uh 906 00:34:50,111 --> 00:34:51,889 you know , a as was highlighted 907 00:34:51,889 --> 00:34:54,056 yesterday . Um We know that it's under 908 00:34:54,056 --> 00:34:56,278 investigation . So I'd have to refer to 909 00:34:56,278 --> 00:34:58,056 the Iranian authorities for any 910 00:34:58,056 --> 00:35:00,111 outcomes as it relates to that . And 911 00:35:00,111 --> 00:35:02,444 I'm sorry , your second question . Yeah . 912 00:35:02,444 --> 00:35:04,667 Do you expect any foreign policy change 913 00:35:04,667 --> 00:35:06,833 from Iran , especially from supporting 914 00:35:06,833 --> 00:35:08,889 it , privacies in Iraq ? Kind of see 915 00:35:08,889 --> 00:35:10,778 where going through . I'm not not 916 00:35:10,778 --> 00:35:12,833 tracking any changes in terms of our 917 00:35:12,833 --> 00:35:15,189 current foreign policy as it relates to 918 00:35:15,199 --> 00:35:19,189 Iran question from earlier . 919 00:35:19,199 --> 00:35:21,310 Did Russia communicate with the US at 920 00:35:21,310 --> 00:35:23,310 all that it was going to launch the 921 00:35:23,310 --> 00:35:25,479 anti satellite weapon ? And has there 922 00:35:25,489 --> 00:35:28,330 been any communication since I'm not 923 00:35:28,340 --> 00:35:30,451 aware of any communication ? But I'll 924 00:35:30,451 --> 00:35:32,729 have to take that question as you know , 925 00:35:32,729 --> 00:35:34,784 there's a process by which there are 926 00:35:35,510 --> 00:35:38,570 launches are conducted . Um So I have 927 00:35:38,580 --> 00:35:40,469 to take that question , Natasha , 928 00:35:40,469 --> 00:35:42,691 thanks Pat . I just have a follow up on 929 00:35:42,691 --> 00:35:42,560 the pier again . I'm trying to 930 00:35:42,570 --> 00:35:44,840 understand . So , last week , Admiral 931 00:35:44,850 --> 00:35:46,961 Cooper , I mean , previously , he had 932 00:35:46,961 --> 00:35:49,040 said that the goal was originally to 933 00:35:49,050 --> 00:35:51,879 start with 500 tons of aid moving 934 00:35:51,889 --> 00:35:54,570 across the causeway per day . We know 935 00:35:54,580 --> 00:35:56,802 that it's been what , four or five days 936 00:35:56,802 --> 00:35:58,913 now , it's been a total of 569 tons . 937 00:35:58,969 --> 00:36:01,080 None of it according to what you just 938 00:36:01,080 --> 00:36:03,191 said that you believe it has actually 939 00:36:03,191 --> 00:36:05,469 been delivered to the Palestinians yet . 940 00:36:05,469 --> 00:36:07,691 So it's the reason why that initial 500 941 00:36:07,691 --> 00:36:09,858 tons of aid per day is not being moved 942 00:36:09,858 --> 00:36:11,969 across the causeway because we're not 943 00:36:11,969 --> 00:36:13,969 seeing any of it be delivered yet , 944 00:36:13,969 --> 00:36:16,025 that stuff that we are moving to the 945 00:36:16,025 --> 00:36:18,025 Palestinians . And so we're kind of 946 00:36:18,025 --> 00:36:17,699 holding back or is there another reason 947 00:36:17,709 --> 00:36:20,360 why you haven't met that 500 tons per 948 00:36:20,370 --> 00:36:24,179 day goal yet ? So aid is taken to 949 00:36:24,189 --> 00:36:26,879 Cyprus where it's loaded onto ships . 950 00:36:26,929 --> 00:36:28,762 So the aid is coming from , as I 951 00:36:28,762 --> 00:36:30,818 mentioned , many different countries 952 00:36:31,189 --> 00:36:34,459 that aid is then put on to um larger 953 00:36:34,469 --> 00:36:36,636 ships and taken to the floating pier . 954 00:36:36,636 --> 00:36:38,810 Uh So again , part of that is going to 955 00:36:38,820 --> 00:36:40,987 be the amount of aid that is available 956 00:36:40,987 --> 00:36:43,209 to load onto those ships , taken to the 957 00:36:43,209 --> 00:36:45,376 floating pier and then trans loaded to 958 00:36:45,376 --> 00:36:49,360 the causeway . And so , um again , you 959 00:36:49,370 --> 00:36:51,481 know , I think you're going to see as 960 00:36:51,481 --> 00:36:53,592 this process works it out as more aid 961 00:36:53,592 --> 00:36:55,703 is delivered to Cyprus , you're going 962 00:36:55,703 --> 00:36:57,926 to see the amount of aid that's brought 963 00:36:57,926 --> 00:37:00,037 into Gaza increase . And to the point 964 00:37:00,037 --> 00:37:02,370 earlier , again , understanding that 965 00:37:02,379 --> 00:37:04,540 this is a multi prong international 966 00:37:04,550 --> 00:37:07,929 effort , uh this is a 967 00:37:07,939 --> 00:37:11,000 one aspect of getting international aid 968 00:37:11,010 --> 00:37:13,350 into Gaza . It's not the only delivery 969 00:37:13,360 --> 00:37:15,693 mechanism by which to get aid into Gaza . 970 00:37:15,693 --> 00:37:18,739 And so we're going to continue to make 971 00:37:18,750 --> 00:37:21,449 this a viable avenue of approach to be 972 00:37:21,459 --> 00:37:23,237 able to get aid to humanitarian 973 00:37:23,237 --> 00:37:25,330 organizations that will then provide 974 00:37:25,340 --> 00:37:27,719 that for , for outward delivery . Uh 975 00:37:27,729 --> 00:37:29,800 Again , as was highlighted earlier , 976 00:37:29,810 --> 00:37:31,810 you know , some of that initial aid 977 00:37:31,810 --> 00:37:34,000 that was brought in uh as it was being 978 00:37:34,010 --> 00:37:36,232 taken along a transportation route , uh 979 00:37:36,232 --> 00:37:39,479 was intercepted by some people uh who , 980 00:37:39,489 --> 00:37:41,489 you know , took that , that aid off 981 00:37:41,489 --> 00:37:43,711 those vehicles . Subsequently . There's 982 00:37:43,711 --> 00:37:45,790 been discussions by which to ensure 983 00:37:45,800 --> 00:37:47,911 that there's alternate routes so that 984 00:37:47,911 --> 00:37:50,244 it can be delivered to warehouses again , 985 00:37:50,244 --> 00:37:52,467 fully appreciating the desperation , uh 986 00:37:52,467 --> 00:37:54,522 but also fully appreciating the fact 987 00:37:54,522 --> 00:37:56,744 that it is very important that this aid 988 00:37:56,744 --> 00:37:58,689 get to the people who need it most 989 00:37:58,689 --> 00:38:00,633 that's going to continue to be the 990 00:38:00,633 --> 00:38:02,856 focus . So I understand , you know , uh 991 00:38:02,856 --> 00:38:05,078 the focus on why is this not working or 992 00:38:05,078 --> 00:38:07,022 why is that not working ? But what 993 00:38:07,022 --> 00:38:09,189 we're focused on is how we can work to 994 00:38:09,189 --> 00:38:11,356 ensure that the Palestinian people get 995 00:38:11,356 --> 00:38:13,578 the aid . So that's what we're going to 996 00:38:13,578 --> 00:38:15,744 stay focused on . Uh There's always in 997 00:38:15,744 --> 00:38:17,856 any operation of complexity . There's 998 00:38:17,856 --> 00:38:20,078 going to be challenges and hurdles that 999 00:38:20,078 --> 00:38:22,133 have to be overcome . That's what we 1000 00:38:22,133 --> 00:38:24,133 specialize in overcoming and that's 1001 00:38:24,133 --> 00:38:25,967 what we're gonna do . So again , 1002 00:38:25,967 --> 00:38:28,078 appreciate the questions , appreciate 1003 00:38:28,078 --> 00:38:30,189 the skepticism , but we're gonna make 1004 00:38:30,189 --> 00:38:30,060 it happen and we're gonna get this food 1005 00:38:30,070 --> 00:38:33,929 to the Palestinian people . Um Sorry to 1006 00:38:33,939 --> 00:38:36,300 harp on the same point , but please 1007 00:38:36,310 --> 00:38:39,050 harp on . So you're saying you said 1008 00:38:39,060 --> 00:38:41,282 that some of the trucks got intercepted 1009 00:38:41,409 --> 00:38:43,131 after they were taken from the 1010 00:38:43,131 --> 00:38:45,353 marshaling area . And you said you were 1011 00:38:45,353 --> 00:38:48,360 looking at alternative routes to 1012 00:38:48,370 --> 00:38:50,703 distribute aid from the marshaling area . 1013 00:38:50,703 --> 00:38:52,679 But I just don't understand why . 1014 00:38:52,689 --> 00:38:54,750 What's the problem before getting to 1015 00:38:54,760 --> 00:38:56,593 the marshaling area ? No problem 1016 00:38:56,593 --> 00:38:58,649 getting to the marshall area . There 1017 00:38:58,649 --> 00:39:00,704 had only been 569 metric tons of aid 1018 00:39:00,704 --> 00:39:02,649 delivered to the marshaling area . 1019 00:39:02,649 --> 00:39:04,816 That's how much aid has been delivered 1020 00:39:04,816 --> 00:39:06,871 to the end of the pier to be brought 1021 00:39:06,871 --> 00:39:08,871 into the marshaling area . Less aid 1022 00:39:08,871 --> 00:39:11,038 flowing through Cyrus than you thought 1023 00:39:11,038 --> 00:39:13,466 there would be . I don't have a flow 1024 00:39:13,476 --> 00:39:15,875 chart that shows what aid is expected . 1025 00:39:15,885 --> 00:39:17,941 And what's not . All I know is we're 1026 00:39:17,941 --> 00:39:20,107 going to continue to push Aidan , as I 1027 00:39:20,107 --> 00:39:22,163 mentioned , Moore is on the way . So 1028 00:39:22,163 --> 00:39:24,496 you're gonna see those numbers increase . 1029 00:39:24,496 --> 00:39:26,663 But I guess my question for you is , I 1030 00:39:26,663 --> 00:39:26,241 mean , and I , yeah , I'm not going to 1031 00:39:26,251 --> 00:39:28,418 get a rhetorical question . I just , I 1032 00:39:28,418 --> 00:39:30,584 think where the , where our disconnect 1033 00:39:30,584 --> 00:39:32,642 I think is just so you can take the 1034 00:39:32,652 --> 00:39:34,931 question and figure it out later is the 1035 00:39:34,941 --> 00:39:37,781 90 to 100 and 50 trucks a day was kind 1036 00:39:37,791 --> 00:39:40,013 of the metric , everyone was focused on 1037 00:39:40,013 --> 00:39:42,189 from Cooper and everyone early on and 1038 00:39:42,199 --> 00:39:44,366 now you guys sort of shifted to metric 1039 00:39:44,366 --> 00:39:46,760 tons a day and we're trying to equate . 1040 00:39:46,770 --> 00:39:50,560 Is that ? How is that ? 90 trucks per 1041 00:39:50,570 --> 00:39:53,080 day is how many , how many , uh that 1042 00:39:53,090 --> 00:39:55,312 and that's why , because we didn't know 1043 00:39:55,312 --> 00:39:57,201 if that 569 metric tons that have 1044 00:39:57,201 --> 00:39:59,919 gotten in what , whether that equates 1045 00:39:59,929 --> 00:40:01,873 to whether you're falling short or 1046 00:40:01,873 --> 00:40:03,873 meeting or whatever , those initial 1047 00:40:03,873 --> 00:40:06,040 goals of the 90 to 100 and 50 trucks . 1048 00:40:06,040 --> 00:40:08,207 Unfortunately , that was the metric we 1049 00:40:08,207 --> 00:40:10,262 got early on and now with the metric 1050 00:40:10,262 --> 00:40:12,373 tons , we're trying to figure out how 1051 00:40:12,373 --> 00:40:14,373 those two equate . That's , I think 1052 00:40:14,373 --> 00:40:16,596 that's just the question adding to that 1053 00:40:16,596 --> 00:40:18,540 too is somebody must know how many 1054 00:40:18,540 --> 00:40:20,540 trucks have gone along the causeway 1055 00:40:20,540 --> 00:40:22,429 into the marshaling area . That , 1056 00:40:22,429 --> 00:40:24,596 that's a number somebody should have . 1057 00:40:24,596 --> 00:40:26,707 And I think because we're reporting , 1058 00:40:26,707 --> 00:40:28,873 you know , X number of trucks left and 1059 00:40:28,873 --> 00:40:31,040 I think people are equating the number 1060 00:40:31,040 --> 00:40:33,262 of trucks that go on and off the pier , 1061 00:40:33,262 --> 00:40:35,485 filled with aid to the number of trucks 1062 00:40:35,485 --> 00:40:37,540 leaving the marshaling area . That's 1063 00:40:37,540 --> 00:40:39,596 not the same trucks and it's not the 1064 00:40:39,596 --> 00:40:41,596 same size trucks if I'm right , not 1065 00:40:41,596 --> 00:40:43,818 mistaken . So it would be inaccurate to 1066 00:40:43,818 --> 00:40:45,929 say the number of trucks going on and 1067 00:40:45,929 --> 00:40:48,040 off the pier is the same as the 10 or 1068 00:40:48,040 --> 00:40:50,725 11 trucks that left the pier or left 1069 00:40:50,735 --> 00:40:52,902 the marshaling area and left . Is that 1070 00:40:52,902 --> 00:40:55,124 accurate ? Correct . And again , look , 1071 00:40:55,125 --> 00:40:57,069 we'll , we'll continue to keep you 1072 00:40:57,069 --> 00:40:59,292 update on this . I understand the , the 1073 00:40:59,292 --> 00:41:01,125 intense interest in it and we'll 1074 00:41:01,125 --> 00:41:02,903 continue to provide you as many 1075 00:41:02,903 --> 00:41:04,847 statistics as we can . But again , 1076 00:41:04,847 --> 00:41:07,069 looking at the forest through the trees 1077 00:41:07,069 --> 00:41:09,292 here is about getting aid to the people 1078 00:41:09,292 --> 00:41:09,189 of Gaza and that's what we'll continue 1079 00:41:09,199 --> 00:41:11,255 to focus on doing no matter how many 1080 00:41:11,255 --> 00:41:13,088 trucks are driving on or off the 1081 00:41:13,088 --> 00:41:14,921 causeway of Courtenay . I have a 1082 00:41:14,921 --> 00:41:18,679 question about the trucks , the , the 1083 00:41:18,689 --> 00:41:20,911 the trucks that you mentioned that were 1084 00:41:20,911 --> 00:41:22,967 intercepted , um who was responsible 1085 00:41:22,967 --> 00:41:25,189 for the security of those at the time . 1086 00:41:25,189 --> 00:41:27,739 Uh Again , you know , when it , when it 1087 00:41:27,750 --> 00:41:30,260 comes to the security of NGO S , that's 1088 00:41:30,270 --> 00:41:31,937 a decision that they all make 1089 00:41:31,937 --> 00:41:34,159 internally . So I really can't speak to 1090 00:41:34,159 --> 00:41:36,270 them or , or what specifically was on 1091 00:41:36,270 --> 00:41:38,520 that on that convoy . But , but again , 1092 00:41:38,810 --> 00:41:40,977 broadly speaking , and as I'm sure you 1093 00:41:40,977 --> 00:41:43,199 can appreciate , I , I'm , I'm just not 1094 00:41:43,199 --> 00:41:45,421 able to go into the details in terms of 1095 00:41:45,421 --> 00:41:47,532 the tactics and , and procedures . Uh 1096 00:41:47,532 --> 00:41:49,699 There has been a discussion to look at 1097 00:41:49,699 --> 00:41:51,810 alternate routes to ensure the safety 1098 00:41:51,810 --> 00:41:53,866 of the , the staff and the , and the 1099 00:41:53,866 --> 00:41:56,270 cargo that's being delivered . Um And I , 1100 00:41:56,280 --> 00:41:58,502 I just have to leave it there . I asked 1101 00:41:58,502 --> 00:42:00,613 because II I was under the impression 1102 00:42:00,613 --> 00:42:02,724 that that until it got that the , the 1103 00:42:02,724 --> 00:42:04,947 Israeli Defense Forces were responsible 1104 00:42:04,947 --> 00:42:07,699 for security of the humanitarian aid up 1105 00:42:07,709 --> 00:42:09,653 to a certain point , including the 1106 00:42:09,653 --> 00:42:11,653 delivery to the warehouses . But is 1107 00:42:11,653 --> 00:42:13,820 that , that's not the case . I'll have 1108 00:42:13,820 --> 00:42:15,765 to check on that . Thank you . All 1109 00:42:15,765 --> 00:42:17,820 right , Ellie . Initially , when you 1110 00:42:17,820 --> 00:42:19,931 talked about the alternative routes , 1111 00:42:19,931 --> 00:42:22,042 you said movements from the temporary 1112 00:42:22,042 --> 00:42:24,265 facility resumed today is the temporary 1113 00:42:24,265 --> 00:42:26,431 facility that you're talking about the 1114 00:42:26,431 --> 00:42:28,598 marshaling area and then resumed . How 1115 00:42:28,598 --> 00:42:30,820 many days were they not moving ? It was 1116 00:42:30,820 --> 00:42:32,987 just uh well , just the last couple of 1117 00:42:32,987 --> 00:42:35,320 days . So they resumed today ? Two days . 1118 00:42:35,320 --> 00:42:38,919 Ok . Thanks for uh 1119 00:42:38,929 --> 00:42:41,979 shutting me down . Um Before , for the 1120 00:42:41,989 --> 00:42:43,933 opportunity . That's all right . I 1121 00:42:43,933 --> 00:42:46,219 apologize . Go ahead . No , no apology . 1122 00:42:46,830 --> 00:42:50,600 Um It just hurt my feelings . Mine too , 1123 00:42:51,149 --> 00:42:54,540 mine too . Um What I'm getting at 1124 00:42:54,550 --> 00:42:58,090 is this was supposed to supplement uh 1125 00:42:58,129 --> 00:43:01,729 the eight effort and it seems the fact 1126 00:43:01,739 --> 00:43:04,969 that the crossings are closed is , is 1127 00:43:04,979 --> 00:43:07,312 not helping the situation . As you said , 1128 00:43:07,312 --> 00:43:09,368 desperate people intercepted some of 1129 00:43:09,368 --> 00:43:11,790 the trucks which created this delay . 1130 00:43:11,870 --> 00:43:15,139 Can you highlight or update us on the 1131 00:43:15,149 --> 00:43:18,090 latest effort by the department by the 1132 00:43:18,100 --> 00:43:21,449 secretary with the Israeli counterparts 1133 00:43:21,699 --> 00:43:25,350 on the land routes ? And where are 1134 00:43:25,360 --> 00:43:27,760 you in that effort right now ? Are you 1135 00:43:27,770 --> 00:43:30,530 hopeful that we will see uh the 1136 00:43:30,540 --> 00:43:34,199 crossing into Rafa uh uh Karam 1137 00:43:34,860 --> 00:43:38,580 Salim Es Open and functioning 1138 00:43:38,590 --> 00:43:42,469 fully . So , so this is a , is 1139 00:43:42,479 --> 00:43:44,590 an ongoing effort , not only with the 1140 00:43:44,590 --> 00:43:46,812 Department of Defense but across the US 1141 00:43:46,812 --> 00:43:49,300 government in terms of talking with the 1142 00:43:49,310 --> 00:43:51,254 Israelis and other partners in the 1143 00:43:51,254 --> 00:43:54,520 region to maximize the throughput of 1144 00:43:54,530 --> 00:43:56,489 aid through the land crossings to 1145 00:43:56,500 --> 00:44:00,260 include Rafa . Uh And so , um 1146 00:44:00,649 --> 00:44:02,760 you know , I can assure you that that 1147 00:44:02,760 --> 00:44:04,982 is a conversation uh that the secretary 1148 00:44:04,982 --> 00:44:08,010 has had uh with his um 1149 00:44:08,949 --> 00:44:11,060 Israeli counterpart and will continue 1150 00:44:11,060 --> 00:44:13,429 to have um as well as other partners in 1151 00:44:13,439 --> 00:44:15,217 the region . Uh You know , most 1152 00:44:15,217 --> 00:44:18,189 recently a as he mentioned , um our his 1153 00:44:18,199 --> 00:44:20,790 Egyptian counterpart . So 1154 00:44:21,600 --> 00:44:24,870 we fully appreciate uh and 1155 00:44:24,879 --> 00:44:26,899 recognize that land roots are the 1156 00:44:26,909 --> 00:44:29,360 optimal way to get aid . Uh And to 1157 00:44:29,370 --> 00:44:31,648 answer your question , am I optimistic ? 1158 00:44:31,648 --> 00:44:33,870 You know , I'm an eternal optimist . So 1159 00:44:33,870 --> 00:44:35,981 I will remain optimistic that we will 1160 00:44:35,981 --> 00:44:38,092 be able to see the Rafa gate open and 1161 00:44:38,092 --> 00:44:40,259 that we'll continue to see aid getting 1162 00:44:40,259 --> 00:44:42,426 in and , and along those lines too . I 1163 00:44:42,426 --> 00:44:44,592 mean , this kind of gets back to the , 1164 00:44:44,592 --> 00:44:46,759 the reality of , again , we're talking 1165 00:44:46,759 --> 00:44:48,870 about a combat zone here uh with many 1166 00:44:48,870 --> 00:44:50,981 people uh in a , in a challenging and 1167 00:44:50,981 --> 00:44:54,320 desperate situa situation . Uh And so 1168 00:44:54,699 --> 00:44:56,588 in the same way that , you know , 1169 00:44:56,709 --> 00:44:58,431 logistically , there have been 1170 00:44:58,431 --> 00:45:00,487 challenges with the land routes , uh 1171 00:45:00,487 --> 00:45:02,653 you know , going forward , e even with 1172 00:45:02,653 --> 00:45:04,876 air routes , there's always logistics , 1173 00:45:04,876 --> 00:45:07,098 logistical challenges . Uh And so , you 1174 00:45:07,098 --> 00:45:09,209 know , we shouldn't be surprised from 1175 00:45:09,209 --> 00:45:11,429 time to time as uh J lots goes forward 1176 00:45:11,439 --> 00:45:13,661 that there are going to be challenges . 1177 00:45:13,661 --> 00:45:15,772 But again , as we've done elsewhere , 1178 00:45:15,772 --> 00:45:17,995 uh we will find a way to make it happen 1179 00:45:17,995 --> 00:45:20,161 and we will find a way to get aid over 1180 00:45:20,161 --> 00:45:22,383 the maritime corridor and to the people 1181 00:45:22,383 --> 00:45:25,020 uh in Gaza . And , and so again , uh 1182 00:45:25,030 --> 00:45:27,899 this is not a sole us military effort . 1183 00:45:27,909 --> 00:45:29,965 It's an interagency effort . It's an 1184 00:45:29,965 --> 00:45:31,631 international effort . And we 1185 00:45:31,631 --> 00:45:33,687 understand the desperate need of the 1186 00:45:33,687 --> 00:45:35,853 Palestinian people right now and we're 1187 00:45:35,853 --> 00:45:35,330 going to continue to work to get them 1188 00:45:35,340 --> 00:45:39,260 what they need . On Monday , Taiwan's 1189 00:45:39,270 --> 00:45:42,139 new President Lai was in and asked 1190 00:45:42,149 --> 00:45:44,316 China to stop military threats against 1191 00:45:44,316 --> 00:45:46,570 Taiwan since China has been criticized 1192 00:45:46,580 --> 00:45:48,909 in President Lai as a troublemaker . 1193 00:45:48,919 --> 00:45:51,141 How much are you worried about the risk 1194 00:45:51,141 --> 00:45:53,399 of escalation in the Taiwan strait on 1195 00:45:53,409 --> 00:45:56,070 the occasion of the premature tran ? Um 1196 00:45:56,080 --> 00:45:58,191 Well , thanks . Uh as you've heard us 1197 00:45:58,191 --> 00:46:01,370 say , um we've urged the PR C not to 1198 00:46:01,379 --> 00:46:04,449 use the election as a pretext for 1199 00:46:04,459 --> 00:46:08,010 escalation . Uh And so , you know , we 1200 00:46:08,020 --> 00:46:10,290 have seen uh as I've mentioned 1201 00:46:10,300 --> 00:46:12,510 previously and as you and I have 1202 00:46:12,520 --> 00:46:14,687 discussed , you know , we've seen them 1203 00:46:14,687 --> 00:46:16,929 used increased naval activity uh as a 1204 00:46:16,939 --> 00:46:19,889 pressure tactic uh to include in the 1205 00:46:19,899 --> 00:46:21,909 South China Sea . Uh We remain 1206 00:46:21,919 --> 00:46:23,641 concerned about those kinds of 1207 00:46:23,641 --> 00:46:25,863 activities . We've raised that directly 1208 00:46:25,863 --> 00:46:27,808 with the PR C . Uh But we're gonna 1209 00:46:27,808 --> 00:46:29,863 continue to remain committed to open 1210 00:46:29,863 --> 00:46:31,697 channels of communication to pre 1211 00:46:31,697 --> 00:46:34,939 prevent potential miscalculation uh or 1212 00:46:34,949 --> 00:46:37,239 risks . Um And ultimately , at the end 1213 00:46:37,250 --> 00:46:39,472 of the day , we're gonna continue to be 1214 00:46:39,472 --> 00:46:42,439 committed to uh work to ensure uh that 1215 00:46:42,449 --> 00:46:45,050 Taiwan maintains a self sufficient , a 1216 00:46:45,060 --> 00:46:48,090 self defense uh capability . Uh in 1217 00:46:48,100 --> 00:46:50,156 accordance with the Taiwan Relations 1218 00:46:50,156 --> 00:46:51,933 Act . Thank you . Take the last 1219 00:46:51,933 --> 00:46:54,044 question here , sir . Thanks Pat . Um 1220 00:46:54,044 --> 00:46:56,409 Just to follow up on the um , if you 1221 00:46:56,419 --> 00:46:58,475 say trucks , I saw him coming across 1222 00:46:58,475 --> 00:47:02,439 his podium . Um Did the US 1223 00:47:02,449 --> 00:47:05,840 military have um advanced notice of 1224 00:47:05,850 --> 00:47:08,989 that launch in any way ? Again ? I 1225 00:47:09,000 --> 00:47:11,000 think that's the question was asked 1226 00:47:11,000 --> 00:47:13,000 earlier in terms of , you know , uh 1227 00:47:13,000 --> 00:47:15,167 Russian requirements to do any type of 1228 00:47:15,167 --> 00:47:17,222 launch notifications . Um You know , 1229 00:47:17,222 --> 00:47:19,389 I'm gonna have to take that question . 1230 00:47:19,389 --> 00:47:22,679 So now if you're asking specifically 1231 00:47:22,689 --> 00:47:24,800 about payloads and things like that , 1232 00:47:24,800 --> 00:47:26,522 I'm just not going to get into 1233 00:47:26,522 --> 00:47:28,578 intelligence uh about some type of , 1234 00:47:28,578 --> 00:47:30,633 well , what I'm saying is that , you 1235 00:47:30,633 --> 00:47:32,745 know , typically uh when there , when 1236 00:47:32,745 --> 00:47:34,689 there are launches into space , uh 1237 00:47:34,689 --> 00:47:36,633 there are requirements in terms of 1238 00:47:36,633 --> 00:47:38,300 notifications , international 1239 00:47:38,300 --> 00:47:40,633 notifications , notifications to airmen , 1240 00:47:40,633 --> 00:47:42,745 things like that . Uh So the question 1241 00:47:42,745 --> 00:47:44,745 is , did we have advanced notice of 1242 00:47:44,745 --> 00:47:46,522 that launch uh as it relates to 1243 00:47:46,522 --> 00:47:48,633 payloads and , and what we know about 1244 00:47:48,633 --> 00:47:50,411 and what we don't know about ie 1245 00:47:50,411 --> 00:47:52,633 intelligence that that is not something 1246 00:47:52,633 --> 00:47:54,633 I can get into . All right , thanks 1247 00:47:54,633 --> 00:47:55,459 very much , everybody . Appreciate it .