The U.S. Department of Defense stated today, Friday, that Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized in a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant the "undeniable necessity" to protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid before any potential military operation in Rafah. Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill requiring President Joe Biden to send weapons to Israel.
The Pentagon's statement today noted that Secretary Austin discussed with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, the progress made by the United States in opening a floating sea dock in Gaza to increase aid to the besieged residents of the territory.
The statement also indicated that the two ministers discussed the need to increase humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza, "including the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings." Austin reiterated the importance of ensuring the protection of Palestinian civilians and the flow of aid before any potential Israeli military operation in Rafah.
In contrast, the U.S. House of Representatives sought to blame the Democratic president for delaying the shipment of bombs to pressure Israel to make greater efforts to protect civilians during its war in Gaza. The bill supporting security assistance to Israel was approved by a vote of 224 in favor to 187 against, largely along party lines. Sixteen Democrats joined most Republicans in voting yes, while three Republicans joined most Democrats in opposing the measure.
