US Calls for Israel to Scale Back Strikes in Beirut
NAPLES: The US would like to see Israel scale back some of its strikes in and around the Lebanese capital of Beirut, defence secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday, adding the number of civilian casualties was “far too high.”
Escalating Tensions
Austin’s comments came hours after Israel carried out heavy strikes on several locations in the city’s southern suburbs, leaving thick plumes of smoke wafting over the city horizon throughout the evening. Israel said it struck arms facilities belonging to Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Tens of thousands of people have fled the southern suburbs – once a densely populated zone that also housed Hezbollah offices and underground installations – since Israel began regular strikes there about three weeks ago.
US Concerns
"We’d like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it’s taking, especially in and around Beirut," Austin told reporters at a G7 defence gathering in the Italian city of Naples. "And we’d like to see things transition to some sort of negotiation that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes."
Hezbollah’s Role
Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel since the war between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas began in Gaza last October. But nearly three weeks ago, Israel launched a ground assault inside Lebanon in an attempt to stabilise the border region for its citizens who had fled the fighting.
UN Peacekeeping Mission
Austin said he had asked his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, about reported Israeli attacks on positions of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The UN mission, known as Unifil, said on Friday it had come under several "deliberate" attacks by Israeli forces in recent days and efforts to help civilians in villages in the war zone were being hampered by Israeli shelling. "He (Gallant) assured me there’s no intent of him or his forces to target Unifil forces. Again, I continue to emphasise how important it is that those forces don’t come under attack," Austin said.
US-U Israel Relations
The US, Israel’s strongest ally, has been urging Israel to do more to safeguard civilians in Gaza and in Lebanon. But a confidential letter from Austin and secretary of state Antony Blinken to Israeli officials last week demanded concrete measures to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, or face potential restrictions on US military aid. Austin declined to discuss the letter but noted that the US had seen "a sharp decline in the amount of aid going in." "So we need to bend that curve in the other direction," Austin said. Asked if anything had changed in recent days, Austin said he had "seen things being done to get more aid in."
Gaza Conflict Update
Hamas-led fighters from Gaza killed some 1,200 people and took 250 hostage in an attack last October that triggered the war, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s military response has left more than 42,500 people dead, Palestinian officials say, and made most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people homeless. It has also caused widespread hunger and destroyed hospitals and schools.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has resulted in tragic humanitarian consequences, and it is essential that all parties involved take steps to reduce civilian casualties and promote a peaceful resolution. The US supports efforts to de-escalate tensions and work towards a sustainable solution.
FAQs
- What is the US’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
The US supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and encourages both parties to negotiate a peaceful resolution. - What is the current situation in Gaza?
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction and humanitarian crises. - What is the UN doing to address the conflict?
The UN is providing aid and assistance to those affected by the conflict and is working to promote a peaceful resolution.