WASHINGTON: The United States has urged Israel to refrain from attacking Lebanon’s main international airport in Beirut and the surrounding roads, as countries around the world work to evacuate their citizens.
“We believe it’s crucial for both the airport and the access roads to remain open to allow U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries to leave,” Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said during a press briefing.
This statement comes as Israel intensifies its bombardment of southern Beirut, where Rafic Hariri International Airport is situated, with recent strikes reported near the airport.
Israeli Military Operations Expand
The Israeli army announced plans to broaden its military campaign against Hezbollah, extending operations to the Lebanese coast south of the Al-Awali river. They advised civilians to stay away from the shoreline. According to local media reports, Israeli forces conducted a significant operation targeting over 120 sites in southern Lebanon within just one hour, focusing on Hezbollah installations.
Human Rights Watch has warned that Israeli airstrikes near the Lebanon-Syria border are endangering civilians, obstructing humanitarian efforts, and hindering escape routes from the conflict.
Hezbollah’s Response
In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched multiple rocket attacks against northern Israel, including a “large rocket salvo” targeting areas near Haifa. The group has also claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon border villages such as Maroun al-Ras and Blida.
Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have surged, with Hezbollah reporting increased clashes following Israel’s ground incursions into southern Lebanon.
Iran’s Position
Iran has vowed to respond decisively to any Israeli military action on its territory, stating it seeks to avoid a wider regional conflict. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed, “We are not afraid of war and will respond firmly to any actions by the Zionist regime,” during a conversation with Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister.
Last week, Iran launched around 200 missiles towards Israel, marking its second direct retaliation for the killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, as well as a general from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Worldwide protests have erupted against Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, with demonstrators calling for international intervention to stop the aggression.
