Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's call with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on May 5, 2024.

During the call, Secretary Austin expressed his condolences for the IDF soldiers killed and wounded by a rocket and mortar attack launched by Hamas out of Rafah. Ryder stated, "Secretary Austin expressed his condolences for the IDF soldiers killed and wounded by a rocket and mortar attack launched by Hamas out of Rafah."

Furthermore, Secretary Austin reaffirmed his commitment to the unconditional return of all hostages and emphasized the importance of planning for the evacuation of Palestinian civilians and the continuous flow of humanitarian aid in the event of any potential Israeli military operation in Rafah. Ryder quoted, "The Secretary reaffirmed his commitment to the unconditional return of all hostages and stressed the need for any potential Israeli military operation in Rafah to include a credible plan to evacuate Palestinian civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid."

In addition, Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' dedication to supporting Israel's defense. Ryder mentioned, "Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting Israel's defense."

The call between Secretary of Defense Austin and Minister of Defense Gallant highlighted discussions on hostage negotiations, humanitarian assistance efforts, and the situation in Rafah.