Pentagon Chief tells Israeli counterpart ‘protecting Palestinians is a moral imperative’
- In Reports
- 04:33 PM, Mar 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that protecting Palestinian civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas was both a moral and strategic imperative. He highlighted that the humanitarian crisis in besieged Gaza was worsening.
During a meeting at the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as relations between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deteriorated to a wartime low.
Austin stated, "The number of civilian casualties in Gaza today is excessively high, and the level of humanitarian aid is insufficient."
Austin declared that Gaza is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe, emphasising a more forceful tone than he previously used on the crisis. He stated that he and Gallant would deliberate on ways to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Their meeting occured after Netanyahu's cancellation of a separate visit to Washington by two of his most senior aides, who were scheduled to receive U.S. proposals regarding operational alternatives.
Netanyahu's strained relations with Biden deteriorated due to Washington's choice not to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The United States has been urging Netanyahu to explore alternatives to a ground invasion of Rafah, which is the last relatively safe refuge for Palestinian civilians.
Austin stated that he would discuss alternative approaches to targeting Hamas militants in Rafah.
The potential for such an offensive has exacerbated differences between close allies the United States and Israel and raised concerns about whether the US might limit military aid if Netanyahu defies Biden and proceeds regardless.
Austin affirmed that the security alliance between Israel and the United States remains "unshakeable".
He further stated, "The United States remains Israel's closest ally, and this position will not alter."
Image source: Reuters
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