ISRAEL’s army has said it launched more than 650 attacks on some 1,300 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon over the past 24 hours. According to the Lebanese health ministry, the attacks have killed 492 people, and wounded 1,645 others.
Israeli attacks have caused widespread chaos across Lebanon and have forced scores of people to flee parts of southern and eastern Lebanon as concerns over a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah continue to grow.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed “grave concern” for the wellbeing and safety of civilians residing in southern Lebanon, and reiterated its strong call for a diplomatic solution.
The United States has also called for de-escalation, with a spokesperson for saying that the agency is in contact with Lebanese and Israeli officials around the clock, adding that it is ready to defend its “allies and partners” in the region.
Also, in Gaza, the health ministry has said at least 24 Palestinians were killed and 60 others were wounded in the latest 24-hour reporting period in various Israeli attacks on the besieged enclave.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has welcomed the president of the United Arab Emirates to the White House, saying the two leaders would discuss ways to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon, and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden, speaking at the start of his meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said Lebanon and Gaza would feature prominently in their discussions.
“We also will discuss our efforts to end the war in Gaza and a number of regional issues. I’ve been briefed on the latest developments in Israel and Lebanon. My team is in constant contact with their counterparts, and we’re working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return to their home safely,” Biden said, according to a readout from his office.
Sheikh Mohamed said his country had an “unwavering commitment” to working with the United States and deepening the strategic partnership between the allies.
