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Washington Calls for Reduction of Strikes on Beirut.. Austin Demands Negotiations
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U.S. Defense Secretary's statements reflect Washington's desire to ease tension on the Lebanese front, while maintaining its support for Israel in confronting Hezbollah
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated today, Saturday, that the United States wants Israel to reduce its attacks on the Lebanese capital Beirut and its surroundings.
Austin added: "The civilian casualty rate is extremely high, and we look forward to Israel reducing its strikes in Beirut and its suburbs. We also hope to see a shift towards negotiations that allows civilians on both sides to return to their homes."
Austin revealed that he discussed the security of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, adding: "Israel assured me there is no intention to target the UN force," despite multiple incidents that occurred in recent days.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, the U.S. Defense Secretary emphasized the need for "civilians in the Strip to receive the humanitarian aid necessary for their survival, with the need to increase this assistance."
In parallel, defense ministers of the G7 countries announced their support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese Armed Forces, affirming their vital role in ensuring stability in the country.
The joint document approved after the first meeting of the group's defense ministers indicated that the protection of peacekeepers is the responsibility of all parties to the conflict. The statement read: "We support the restoration of security and stability to the Lebanese-Israeli border, including the protection of local residents. We also express our concern about recent developments in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation, where we call for a comprehensive cessation of military operations in accordance with the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701."
For his part, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto explained that the issue of the future mandate of this mission in terms of strengthening it, increasing its numbers, or reducing it was not discussed among the ministers, reasoning that this matter "falls within the powers of the United Nations." He added that "the presence of these forces clearly represents an alternative to war."
These statements and positions come amid escalating tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border and growing international fears of a potential expansion of the conflict in the region.
Levant-Agencies
