U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Friday that he does not see any indication that Hamas plans to attack American forces in Gaza. Austin said at a press conference, "I do not discuss intelligence information on the platform, but I do not currently see any indicators of an actual intent to do so." He added, "That said, this is a combat zone, and various things can and will happen."
John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman at the White House, mentioned on Thursday that the pier being constructed by the U.S. military to expedite the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza will open within days, despite adverse weather conditions hindering preparations. Kirby explained at a press conference, "We all hope (that this will happen) within days."
The United States has urged both Israel and Hamas to ensure that aid directed towards civilians in Gaza is not disrupted, following an incident where Israeli settlers attacked a shipment coming from Jordan before Palestinian militants diverted its course.
