US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin said he discussed the latest round of hostage talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant on Wednesday.
Austin said he stressed that the US commitment to Israel's security and right to self-defense is unwavering.
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In a post on X, Lloyd said, “I spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today about the ongoing attacks against Israel by Lebanese Hezbollah, growing U.S.-Israeli military cooperation, and the status of the JLOTS Floating Pier. We discussed the latest round of hostage negotiations and reaffirmed our commitment to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. I emphasized that our commitment to Israel's security and right to self-defense is unwavering.”
I spoke today with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant about the ongoing attacks against Israel by Lebanese Hezbollah, growing U.S.-Israeli military cooperation, and the status of the JLOTS Floating Pier. We discussed the latest round of hostage negotiations and reaffirmed our commitment…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) July 17, 2024
Earlier on June 11, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on the US proposal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
The US-drafted deal calls on Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal announced by President Joe Biden on May 31, which Israel has already accepted.
The resolution received 14 votes in favour, zero against, and one abstention from Russia, as the country decided not to exercise its veto power.
According to UN News, the resolution passed aims to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in three phases.
The first phase calls for “an immediate, complete and comprehensive ceasefire, the release of hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded, the return of the remains of some of the hostages killed and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners”.
It demands that Israeli troops leave Gaza's “inhabited areas,” that Palestinians be allowed to return to their homes and communities throughout the territory, including the north, and that humanitarian aid be distributed widely and safely.