The US has called on Israel not to target Beirut International Airport or its access roads, as Israeli forces continue heavy strikes on southern Beirut and other areas of Lebanon.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of keeping the airport and its routes open to facilitate the departure of American citizens and nationals from other countries who wish to leave Lebanon.
The Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike near Beirut’s airport on Monday, according to a security source cited by AFP.
This comes as the U.S. has chartered semi-daily flights since last week to help evacuate its citizens and their families amidst escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Miller reported that about 900 people have left on these flights, which were not fully booked, and the U.S. continues to reserve seats on commercial flights that are still available.
He noted that approximately 8,500 Americans have contacted the State Department regarding departure procedures, though this does not imply they all intend to leave.
While Miller refrained from commenting on the legality of Israeli strikes in Lebanon, specifically in Beirut, he stated, “We expect them (the Israelis) to target Hezbollah in a manner that conforms to international humanitarian law and minimizes civilian casualties.”
Previously, the U.S. has criticized the high casualty toll of Israeli attacks in Gaza, where over 41,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict, which has lasted a year.
President Joe Biden has described some Israeli actions in Gaza as “excessive,” yet Washington’s policy of supporting Israel’s expanding military operations remains unchanged.
In recent weeks, the scope of the war has expanded from the Hamas stronghold of Gaza Strip to Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, with Miller affirming U.S. support for the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah.
He acknowledged, however, that the U.S. is fully aware of many past instances where Israel launched what appeared to be limited operations that lasted months or years, which is not the outcome Washington desires.
