Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the IDF campaign in Gaza is necessary to put pressure on Hamas to negotiate a hostage deal.
“IDF operations in Gaza have led to the conditions necessary to achieve an agreement for the return of hostages, which is the highest moral imperative at this time,” Gallant said, according to the statement.
Gallant’s office released a statement following an overnight phone call with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Although generally supporting Israel’s objectives in the war against Hamas, the US objected to the operation in Rafah at the beginning because of humanitarian concerns.
Since then, Israel has kept the US informed of its targeted strikes against Hamas terrorists and progress on the humanitarian front.
Gallant gave Austin a “situation assessment,” which included targeting Hamas leadership and actions to ameliorate conditions for civilians. Gallant said he had ordered the construction of a children’s field hospital in Gaza.
