Tue Sep 24 02:41:05 UTC 2024: ## Lebanon Conflict Escalates, Biden Calls for De-escalation

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon has escalated significantly, with the death toll in Lebanon reaching at least 569 since Monday, according to the country’s health minister. In a major development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the killing of a Hezbollah missile unit commander in a strike in Beirut. The escalation has also seen over 300 rockets fired from Lebanon towards Israel, marking the highest number launched in a single day since the beginning of the conflict.

Amidst this heightened tension, US President Joe Biden called for an end to the Gaza war and de-escalation between Hezbollah and Israel in his address to the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, protests in support of Palestine have erupted in both New York City and Washington D.C. In New York, police made multiple arrests after clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement during a march towards the UN General Assembly. In Washington, protesters moved from the White House to the Washington Post headquarters, accusing the newspaper of being complicit in a “genocide” in Lebanon due to alleged biased media coverage.

On the diplomatic front, the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, reported sensing a greater willingness from Iranian officials to engage in meaningful dialogue about the country’s nuclear program. He hopes to travel to Tehran in October to further these discussions.

As the situation continues to escalate, Britain has mobilized hundreds of soldiers to Cyprus to assist British nationals in evacuating Lebanon. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has urged British citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately, citing the volatile situation.

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