Pentagon chief says civilian death toll in Gaza 'far too high'

#Israel

#Yoav Gallant

#Benjamin Netanyahu

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has told Israel's Defence Minister the safety of civilians in Rafah is a top priority.

Yoav Gallant travelled to the Pentagon for the in-person meeting on Tuesday.

Israel says its planning a ground offensive in the southern-most city of the Gaza strip, where 1.5 million displaced Palestinians have been forced to seek shelter.

That's despite concerns from the US and the international community.

Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane has more at the Pentagon.