Kathmandu, Oct 16: Israel launched an airstrike on the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on Wednesday, targeting the municipal building. The attack resulted in the deaths of six people, including the city’s mayor.

The strike on Nabatieh followed an earlier attack on Beirut. Israel stated that it has been targeting Hezbollah’s underground weapons depots and issued warnings to civilians to evacuate the area ahead of the strikes.

The United Nations refugee agency reported that Israel’s evacuation orders have affected over a quarter of Lebanon’s population.

Meanwhile, the US expressed concern over the rising casualties and the intensifying conflict. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that these concerns were communicated to the Israeli government following the Beirut attack.

The US has also urged Israel to enhance humanitarian aid access in Gaza within 30 days, warning that failure to do so could result in military aid restrictions. In response, Israel sent 50 trucks of relief supplies to northern Gaza. However, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office commented, “We will consider America’s suggestions, but decisions will be made in the interest of our country.”

Despite these developments, the US recently announced it would send missile defense systems and troops to support Israel.