US Defense Headquarters Pentagon urges Israel to protect civilians in Gaza
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Washington. US defense officials told their Israeli counterparts on Tuesday that any military operation in the southern city of Rafah should be carried out in a phased manner, keeping in mind the safety of civilians and aid delivery. A senior official of the US Defense Headquarters Pentagon gave this information. The official said that Israel’s Defense Minister heard this but it is not clear what impact this meeting will have on Israel’s plans for Gaza and the increasing tension between the two countries.
US leaders have consistently warned against a ground attack in Rafah and are pushing for an alternative and targeted campaign. The senior defense official described the 90-minute meeting at the Pentagon as “very productive and thoughtful,” but said he did not agree when asked whether Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would make future US military aid to Israel conditional on improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza. If so, he objected to it. According to the official, Austin said the US would continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself without resorting to armed conflict and in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown was also involved in the meeting and it took place at a time when relations between America and Israel have come under strain. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said in a statement that they discussed important cooperation between Israeli and US defense establishments to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.
The US defense official said Israeli forces should use the precision targeting that has been effective against Hamas leaders elsewhere in Gaza. The official declined to provide details about Gallant’s response. The official said, “There was a very good conversation between the two ministers today. They know each other well. They trust each other. They are friends.” Gallant emphasized the ongoing threats to Israel.
Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.
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