US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin discussed “urgent steps” to boost humanitarian aid getting into Gaza with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in a phone call, the Pentagon said. “The Secretary underscored the urgent need to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza across all available crossings,” it said. “Secretary Austin encouraged the Israeli government to conclude talks with Egypt to reopen Rafah crossing and resume the flow of aid from Egypt through Kerem Shalom,” he added.
