As Hamas continues to release hostages held in Gaza, U.S. officials called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the process. This phone call is a part of the diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating hostage release and restoring peace.

The discussions between the U.S. and Israeli authorities started with a significant step. In a U.S. Department of Defense press release, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III initiated the phone call.

During this conversation, Secretary Austin acknowledged multiple nations' contribution towards reaching an agreement.

"He acknowledged the critical roles played by the governments of Israel, Qatar and Egypt in reaching an agreement that will also see increased humanitarian aid and fuel deliveries to civilians in Gaza," said Ryder. "Secretary Austin shared his view that humanitarian aid must increase, and that civilians must have safe areas to receive aid across Gaza, which will require deconfliction with the United Nations and communication with governments and international organizations coordinating delivery of aid."

More insights on the telephone conversation were provided by a news release.

According to the news release, Austin offered Israel that America will continue to back the country as it fends off terrorism while Gallant provided him with updates on the Israel Defense Forces’ operational pause in Gaza while hostages are released.

Concerns about potential conflict spillover were also discussed during this call.

Secretary Austin also discussed that the U.S. desires that there be no spillover from the conflict into Lebanon, according to the media release. Austin denounced the ongoing cross-border attacks from Lebanon into Israel and voiced his backing for the safe return of Israeli civilians to their homes in the north while providing Gallant with updates on U.S. efforts to protect its forces and interests across the Middle East.

Before the hostage release, another high-ranking U.S. official made a significant announcement.

Prior to the release of hostages, U.S. Department of State Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken said in news release he hoped that a cease-fire would bring Americans being held hostage home.

Blinken welcomed the deal reached between involved parties and expressed his relief for the hostages and their families.

"The United States welcomes the deal to release 50 hostages, including American citizens, held by Hamas since its Oct. 7 attack on Israel," he said." I cannot imagine the ordeal that each of these individuals has endured over the past few weeks, and I am thankful that they will be reunited with their loved ones soon."