#US #Calls on #Israel to Halt Attacks on #UN #Peacekeepers Amid #Escalating #Lebanon #Conflict

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have reached new heights as the U.S. urges Israel to stop firing on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon. President Joe Biden stated that he is “absolutely, positively“ pushing Israel to cease attacks after two incidents left four UN soldiers injured within 48 hours. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged responsibility for both attacks, which targeted peacekeepers in Naqoura, Lebanon. Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the strikes, calling them “crimes directed at the international community,” while the UN and international leaders—including those from France, Italy, and Spain—joined in condemning Israel’s actions. Hezbollah’s ongoing rocket fire into Israel has further escalated the situation, as both sides continue trading missiles. The conflict has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon and widespread devastation in southern Beirut and Sidon. As the situation worsens, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is