Washington expresses concern over strikes against the Lebanese forces and urges Israel to take measures to ensure the safety of the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), according to the US Department of Defense. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that Washington welcomed the flow of humanitarian aid through the Erez crossing in northern Gaza and called on Israel to take steps to address the complex situation there. Furthermore, Austin “expressed his deep concern about the reports of strikes against the Lebanese Armed Forces” and urged Israel “to ensure the …