United States Prioritizes Diplomatic Resolution in Lebanon
US Secretary of State Blinken Urges Democratic Process in Lebanon amid Israeli Attacks
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nebih Berri to discuss the ongoing political and security situation in Lebanon. During the meetings, Blinken emphasized the importance of filling the presidential vacancy in Lebanon through democratic means as soon as possible, while also expressing concerns about the influence of Iran and Hezbollah in the country’s political process.
While the statement did not directly address Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, Blinken reiterated the US’s support for a diplomatic solution to the conflicts along the Blue Line. The US government’s stance on the matter highlights the need for peaceful resolutions and the avoidance of further escalations in the region.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army has been engaged in controlled clashes with Hezbollah since October 8, 2023, resulting in hundreds of air strikes on Lebanon’s southern cities, as well as the Bekaa and Baalbek regions. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, a total of 2,229 people, including 104 children and 194 women, have died, and 10,380 people have been injured since the clashes began.
The recent air strikes by the Israeli army also resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on September 27. In response, Hezbollah has launched rockets and missiles towards Israel, although no major damage has been reported on the Israeli side.
The Israeli bombardment has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people within Lebanon, with many seeking refuge in the capital Beirut or even crossing into Syria. The humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflicts underscores the urgent need for international attention and support to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
