Pentagon: No Timetable for Israeli Operation in Gaza

Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder confirmed that there is no timetable for Israeli operation in Gaza Strip.

“The United States’ priority is to protect its forces and citizens and ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself from future attacks that may be launched by Hamas," Ryder added. 

On Wednesday, Pentagon urged Israel to avoid targeting civilians in Gaza.

Few days ago, U.S. Secretary of Defense stressed the need to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza after the extension of Gaza truce for two additional days.

This came during a telephone call between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, to discuss the latest developments regarding the release of prisoners and the cessation of Israeli army operations in Gaza Strip.

Austin also called on government and non-governmental actors to avoid escalating the current conflict, and he provided an update on U.S. efforts to protect its forces and interests throughout the Middle East.