Washington, Oct 13 (UNI) US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern to his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, over the Israeli forces’ strike at UN peacekeeping positions in Lebanon and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Pentagon said on Saturday.
“Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Oct. 12 and expressed his deep concern about reports that Israeli forces fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Lebanon as well as by the reported death of two Lebanese soldiers,” Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement.
Austin stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL forces and Lebanese Armed Forces, calling for a switch to a diplomatic pathway “as soon as feasible.”
“Secretary Austin also raised the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed that steps must be taken to address it,” the statement also says.
The US defense secretary also reaffirmed “unwavering, enduring, and ironclad” commitment of the United States to Israel’s security.