‘Deeply concerning’: Aus responds to strikes on Lebanon

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the humanitarian situation in Lebanon was “deeply concerning” following deadly Israeli airstrikes that hit more than 100 targets overnight.

The attacks came less than a day after a two-week ceasefire was reached between the United States and Iran.

Speaking on ABC News Breakfast on Thursday morning, Senator Wong said the ceasefire was fragile but “the world needs to stick with it”.

“On the issue of Lebanon, we said that both Israel and Hezbollah should respect the ceasefire,” Senator Wong said.

“There is a risk that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon could jeopardize the ceasefire across the region.

“The humanitarian situation is extremely worrying… We have seen Indonesian peacekeepers killed in the conflict in Lebanon, and it is extremely important that the international community speaks with one voice to ensure that international humanitarian law is observed by all parties.”

Senator Wong later told Sunrise that the ceasefire “should also apply to Lebanon.”

“… Failure of Israel and Hezbollah to comply with the ceasefire will endanger the ceasefire throughout the region,” he said.

“Many countries joined us overnight in a joint statement calling on all parties, including Lebanon, to abide by the ceasefire.”

The Israel Defense Forces launched a series of systematic bombings, drone strikes and artillery barrages against Hezbollah’s infrastructure on March 2 in an attempt to create a “buffer zone” between the two countries.

The campaign has increased steadily over the past week; The latest dams on Wednesday hit more than 100 places in southern Lebanon, including Beirut’s densely populated regional centers and suburbs.

Hundreds of people have died so far, with the death toll in the latest attacks reaching 254 and more than 1,100 people reportedly injured.

More to come.