United States President Joe Biden has said he does not want to see a “full-scale war” break out in Lebanon, a day after Israeli forces launched a massive bombing campaign that has killed hundreds of people across the country.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, Biden said a diplomatic solution between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah is the only path forward.
“Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” he said.
For months, the US president has faced calls to condition his administration’s support for Israel as it wages war on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 41,400 Palestinians. Experts have also warned Biden that the war on Gaza could lead to a wider regional conflict.
But the Democrat – who is not seeking re-election in November – has maintained his staunch backing of the Israeli government, drawing continued criticism of his approach.
His speech came as the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Tuesday that at least 569 people, including 50 children, had been killed and 1,835 wounded in Israel’s bombardment of various parts of the country this week.
The Israeli military also continued to pound the Gaza Strip, killing at least 37 people throughout the day on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence.
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