Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, who continues military operations in the Gaza Strip, met with US Secretary of Defense Austin on the 26th. At the meeting, Secretary Austin expressed strong concerns about the ground operation in Rafah in the south, and discussed alternative operations targeting Hamas leaders.
On the 26th, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant visited the United States, which receives support, and met with Secretary of Defense Austin to discuss continued military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Secretary Austin stated, ``There are far too many civilian casualties and far too little humanitarian aid,'' and said that the ground operations in the southern city of Rafah, where nearly 1.5 million people are sheltering, are critical to ensuring the safety of residents. He expressed strong concern that this should not proceed without a viable plan.
According to a senior U.S. Department of Defense official, the meeting discussed operations targeting Hamas leaders, plans for evacuation of residents, and expanded humanitarian assistance.
Israel has shown a stance of forcibly carrying out ground operations against Rafah, but the international community is increasingly concerned about the heavy casualties of residents, and the United States is also asking Israel to consider alternative plans.
Despite this, Israeli attacks continue in various places, including Rafah, and Middle Eastern satellite television stations such as Al Jazeera reported that at least three people were killed in an airstrike on Rafah on the morning of the 27th.