The US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) said that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed to his Israeli counterpart the need to increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and the existence of safe areas to receive aid throughout the Strip.

It explained in a statement that the minister, during a phone call with Gallant, reiterated the need to prevent the conflict from expanding to Lebanon.

The statement added that the US Secretary condemned “the continuation of cross-border attacks from Lebanon to Israel,” and expressed his support for the safe return of Israeli civilians to their homes in the north.