Pentagon: We absolutely do not want to see more suffering in Gaza

Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder answered questions from journalists at the daily press briefing.

When asked whether the U.S. supports Israel's potential military attacks on Rafah, Ryder replied, "As you know, we absolutely do not want to see more humanitarian suffering by those in Gaza. That is why we continue to actively communicate with our Israeli partners about the importance of considering civilians in the planning and execution of operations."

GAZA STATEMENT

While directing journalists to Israeli officials for detailed questions on the matter, Ryder also pointed to statements from the White House regarding the U.S. stance against the attacks.

White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, recalling on February 8 that hundreds of thousands of people pushed toward the south of Gaza are squeezed into a narrow area, had stated, "We have not seen any plans that would indicate (Israel) is going to begin military operations in the Rafah area anytime soon. Palestinians are being protected in and around Rafah. There are a large number of displaced people there. Military operations against these people (in Rafah) right now would be a disaster, and that is not something we would support."

AUSTIN UNDERWENT NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURE UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA FOR BLADDER ISSUE

Providing information on the health status of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center yesterday and admitted to the intensive care unit due to a bladder issue, Ryder stated that Austin underwent a non-surgical procedure under general anesthesia to address the bladder problem.

Citing a written statement from Austin's doctor, Ryder noted that they do not expect the Secretary to remain in the hospital for a long time and that they anticipate he will return to his normal duties tomorrow.

Stating that they expect a successful recovery for Austin, Ryder added that they do not expect the current bladder issue to cause any change in the recovery process for his ongoing prostate cancer.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin had been hospitalized due to an urgent bladder issue, and it was stated that he was transferred to the intensive care unit for close monitoring following tests and evaluations.

Secretary Austin, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December of last year, underwent surgery on December 22. Austin, who was hospitalized on January 1 with severe pain due to developing complications, was taken to intensive care and continued his treatment in the hospital until January 15. Austin had continued to work from home until January 29.

Austin's hospitalization first came to light with a statement made by the U.S. Department of Defense on January 5, and it was later revealed that senior officials, including President Joe Biden, as well as Pentagon officials and members of Congress, had learned of Austin's hospitalization days later.

News Source: AA