US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Friday stated that the US will continue to work with Israel to seek the release of hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. Highlighting that there is no justification for terrorism, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin vowed steadfast US support for Israel, emphasising that "this is not the time for neutrality, false equivalence, or excuses for the inexcusable." Addressing a press conference with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Austin stated: "We will continue to coordinate closely with Israel to help secure the release of innocent men, women and children in the clutches of Hamas, including American citizens."
The defence secretary, who is visiting Israel today, reminded Israelis that "this is a time for resolve, not revenge," as the IDF is under fire for inflicting civilian fatalities in Gaza in response to the Hamas onslaught.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Hamas fighters took "evil to another level" than Islamic State terrorists, while pledging "iron-clad" support for Israel in its struggle against Palestinian Islamists.
"In encountering ISIS I felt as if we were staring evil in the eye -- it was truly evil," said Austin.
"And what we've seen from Hamas, it takes that evil to another level."
Reiterating US assistance in the first week of their conflict with the terrorist organisation Hamas, Austin said: "I extend my deepest condolences to the Israeli people, for those wounded and killed in this war by Hamas. I am also here in solidarity with all the families still living the waking nightmare of not knowing the fate of their loved ones."
"In times like these, sometimes the best thing that a friend can do is just to show up and to get to work. Now, this is no time for neutrality, for false equivalence or for excuses for the inexcusable. There is never any justification for terrorism, and that's especially true after this rampage by Hamas anyone who wants lasting peace and security for this region must condemn Hamas," he further stated.
When Austin arrived in Tel Aviv, he declared that the United States' commitment for Israel was unwavering.
According to a statement from the US Department of Defence, Austin's travel to Israel demonstrates the US government's unflinching support for Israel in the aftermath of the recent horrific strikes by Hamas terrorists.
According to the US Defence Secretary, Israel is a tiny country where everyone knows everyone. "And the intimacy of your society deepens the intimacy of your grief in times of trial." "But that's not a flaw," he said.
Austin's travel to Israel comes as the Israel-Hamas war enters its seventh day, with the Israel Defence Forces calling for Gaza to be evacuated immediately. In a statement, the IDF stated that all people in Gaza City must flee to the region south of the Wadi Gaza for their own safety and security.
The IDF has urged people to keep a safe distance from Hamas militants who are exploiting them as human shields. The IDF stated that it will continue to conduct large operations in Gaza City while making great efforts to avoid injuring civilians.