In Washington, discussions involving the Pentagon and allied leaders continue to emphasize the need to protect civilians in Gaza while ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. In recent exchanges, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Jordanian King Abdullah II and with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, underscoring the critical priority of civilian safety during escalating tensions. The U.S. defense component released a statement noting that all parties agreed on the necessity of allowing civilians to access aid promptly, while Austin condemned actions by Hamas that hinder the evacuation of noncombatants from Gaza. The conversations also highlighted civilian protection as a central concern during Austin’s meeting with Israel’s defense chief. The dialogue reflects a broader strategy focused on humanitarian corridors, civilian protections, and the stability of the region amid heightened military activity.
News outlets reported that the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt remained closed, complicating relief efforts as humanitarian supplies amassed on the Egyptian side of the border. The ongoing blockage impeded movement of Gazans and foreign nationals seeking to leave or access essential services, a situation that drew criticism from regional officials and international observers alike. Egyptian officials indicated that there had been little progress in discussions with Israeli and Palestinian authorities to reopen the crossing, with timelines remaining uncertain. The standstill at Rafah occurs against the backdrop of growing pressure on civilian populations and a looming expectation of intensified military engagement in the area.
Amid these strains, hundreds of thousands of Gazans had already relocated from northern areas following evacuation advisories, while Israel tightened access controls at its border gates with Gaza and announced limitations that prompted renewed concerns about humanitarian access. The Rafah crossing remained the primary conduit for humanitarian aid and for those requiring medical attention or evacuation, placing substantial responsibility on Egypt to facilitate safe passage. Palestinian officials noted that damage caused by airstrikes on the Gaza side of the crossing hampered repair efforts, further complicating attempts to restore normal movement and aid flow.
In public remarks around these developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described a large-scale military operation as unprecedented in its scale. The remark underscored the seriousness with which Israeli authorities view the security situation, while international partners urged careful consideration of civilian protections and the humanitarian imperative amid ongoing hostilities.