Biden Calls on Israel to Halt Attacks on UN Peacekeepers

President Joe Biden has urgently called on Israel to cease its attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon amidst escalating violence with Hezbollah. This request follows two recent incidents where Israeli fire resulted in injuries to UN soldiers, prompting international condemnation from leaders of France, Italy, and Spain, who described the actions as unjustifiable. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have acknowledged responsibility for these incidents, indicating they opened fire in response to perceived threats. Concurrently, the Israel-Gaza conflict has intensified, with tens of thousands killed and significant displacement since Hamas's initial attacks in October 2023. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, with reports of over 42,000 deaths in Gaza and significant losses in Lebanon as well. The situation remains critical as international pressure mounts on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and halt hostilities toward UN personnel.