The US Affirms Israel Must Make Credible Plans Regarding The Closeness Of Civilians Before Attacking Rafah

JAKARTA - United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed Israel must have plans for the safety of civilians, before carrying out an attack on Rafah City.

He conveyed this when speaking with his counterpart from Israel, Yoav Gallant by telephone, while discussing the situation in Gaza.

The Pentagon said the two defense ministers discussed operations carried out by the Israeli military in Khan Younis, south of Gaza.

" Defense Secretary Austin stressed the need for Defense Minister Gallant to make "a credible plan to ensure safety and support for more than one million people sheltering in Rafah, before military operations resume there," the Pentagon said.

In addition, the two also discussed ongoing efforts to ensure the release of hostages who are still being held by Hamas, as well as the need to increase access to humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, as looting and violence hinder access to convoys in the Gaza Strip.

Last week, the two defense chiefs also spoke by telephone, with Defense Secretary Austin asking Israel to ensure the protection of civilians, as well as movement and access to humanitarian aid, related to plans for an attack on Rafah.

Separately, Hamas-run Ministry of Health said on Friday the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza had reached 29,514, while 69,616 others were injured since Israel began attacking Gaza, in response to an attack on their southern region by Hamas on October 7.