The leaders of Lebanon urged the United States on Monday, May 11, to pressure Israel to stop shelling several regions of the country. The attacks have continued despite a ceasefire theoretically in place since April 17.
According to updated figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Health on Monday, the death toll from Israeli strikes has reached 2,869 since the beginning of the conflict between the pro-Iranian Hezbollah and Israel on March 2. Dozens of people have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect.
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam separately met with US Ambassador Michel Issa in preparation for further discussions scheduled for May 14 and 15 in Washington between Lebanon and Israel.
President Aoun emphasized the need to pressure Israel to stop the attacks, cease military operations, and halt the demolition and razing of homes. Nawaf Salam also called on the diplomat to pressure Israel to end the persistent attacks and violations to strengthen the ceasefire.
Israel intensified its airstrikes over the weekend and issued an evacuation call for nine Lebanese localities, seven in the south and two in the east. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire daily, mainly in southern Lebanon, where Israel controls a narrow strip on the border.
The pro-Iranian Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on the Israeli military in Lebanese territory. A soldier was killed in combat near the Lebanese border, bringing Israel’s total losses to 18 soldiers and one civilian contractor since the start of the conflict.
The conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah attacked Israel with rockets in retaliation for the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground incursion into the south.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated in an interview on Al-Arabiya on Sunday evening that Lebanon is now facing the occupation of 68 Lebanese localities due to the imposed war.
[Fact Check: The content discusses the ongoing conflict between Lebanon, Israel, and Hezbollah. The article focuses on Lebanon’s appeal to the United States to pressure Israel to stop attacks and violations.]
[Context: The situation in the region remains tense with ongoing conflicts despite ceasefire attempts.]
