transition to a more targeted campaign in gaza to reduce civilian casualties. the defense chief said he discussed pathways after hamas. the pentagon chief is also taking up houthi rebels on red sea shipping which he says must stop and he is urging other countries to publicly condemn the aggression. lloyd austin is attending a red sea security summit in bahrain which is one of the countries taking part in a new u.s.-led initiative to keep the waterway safe. houthi sources took responsibility for attacks monday on two commercial vessels they claim are linked to israel. all countries have the right to move freely and lawfully in international waters. but that foundational global right is under new threat today from the totally unacceptable attacks on merchant vessels by the houthis in yemen. that is endangering our common prosperity and the lives of innocent mariners. and these reckless houthi attacks are a serious international problem and they demand a firm international