US defense chief Austin and his Israeli counterpart Gallant mull ongoing hostage negotiations

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, to discuss “the ongoing hostage negotiations, humanitarian assistance efforts, and Rafah,” the Pentagon said, Report informs, citing The Times of Israel.

Austin “expressed his condolences for the IDF soldiers killed and wounded by a rocket and mortar attack launched by Hamas out of Rafah,” the statement says.

He is also said to have reiterated Washington’s commitment to “supporting Israel’s defense,” his own commitment to returning all the hostages from Gaza, and the US demand for any offensive to Rafah to include a “credible” plan to protect civilians and preserve the flow of humanitarian aid.