US defense chief Lloyd Austin will host his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, the Pentagon said Thursday, Paralel.Az reports citing Anadolu Agency.

"Next week on Tuesday, March 26, Secretary Austin will host Mr. Gallant here at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting to continue their discussions on a range of topics, including efforts to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, the need for more humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians, and plans to ensure the safety of the more than 1 million people sheltering in Rafah, while ensuring Hamas can no longer pose a threat to Israel," spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters.