Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today regarding the negotiations for the release of hostages and a temporary ceasefire. Secretary Austin raised the need to consider alternatives to a major ground operation in Rafah, while reiterating the shared goal of defeating Hamas. The two also discussed the need to do more to protect civilians and urgently increase the flow of aid into Gaza through land crossings. Secretary Austin appreciated Minister Gallant's firm and full commitment to protect U.S. servicemembers in the eastern Mediterranean who will enable the maritime humanitarian aid corridor. Secretary Austin looks forward to hosting Minister Gallant at the Pentagon next week for a bilateral meeting to continue these conversations.