Israel's Yoav Gallant, US' Austin discuss Gaza war, efforts to release hostages

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Israel’s defense minister Yoav Gallant spoke with US Defense Secretary General Lloyd Austin about the ongoing efforts to release the hostages held by the Palestinian terrorist group in Gaza. In a summary of the conversation between Gallant and Austin, office of Israel’s defence minister said during the call, Gallant thanked Austin and the US government for their involvement in various efforts to release the hostages, and provided updates about the progress being made to dismantle Hamas as well as end the terror group’s 16-year rule of the Gaza Strip. During the call, the two defence officials also discussed the continued skirmishes on Israel’s border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah forces are launching rockets, missiles and drones on almost daily basis. Gallant also thanked Austin for his personal support for Israel’s security and for various actions being taken by the US to stabilise the region, his office adds. Meanwhile, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder described the call as reiterating “US support for Israel’s right to defend itself and the importance of ensuring uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza." “Secretary Austin reaffirmed the US. commitment to the pursuit of diplomacy to resolve tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and the shared goal of avoiding regional escalation,” the Pentagon added. With inputs from agencies