U.S. Urges Israel to Reduce Beirut Strikes Amidst Rising Civilian Casualties

The U.S. Defense Secretary has urged Israel to reduce its military strikes around Beirut due to high civilian casualties. The strikes, aimed at Hezbollah, have prompted a mass exodus from Beirut's southern suburbs. The violence escalated as Hezbollah retaliated with rocket attacks on northern Israel.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has called for a reduction in Israel's military operations in and around Beirut, citing a concerning number of civilian casualties. Speaking at a G7 defense meeting in Naples, Austin emphasized the need for de-escalation and negotiations to enable civilians to return home.

The appeal comes as Israel's intensified assaults on Beirut's southern suburbs have forced tens of thousands to flee the area. The suburb, once bustling and housing Hezbollah's offices and installations, has been targeted for nearly three weeks. Heavy strikes on Saturday darkened the city's horizon with smoke.

In a parallel escalation, Hezbollah launched rockets at northern Israel, including an attempted drone attack near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence. Both sides appear entrenched, with Austin advocating for talks to resolve the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)