US President Joe Biden confirmed working to de-escalate the situation in Lebanon, which has been subjected to violent raids by the Israeli air force since Monday morning, leaving hundreds of victims so far. Biden told reporters at the White House that he had received a briefing on the developments in Lebanon and that his team members were "in constant contact with their counterparts", noting that "work is underway to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return to their homes safely". On the other hand, the White House stressed that finding a solution to the conflict on both sides of the Blue Line (the border separating Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories) quickly and through diplomatic means is in the interest of all parties. White House spokeswoman Karen Jean-Pierre told reporters: "With regard to the escalation we are currently witnessing in the Middle East, we are concerned", noting that "the risk of escalation is real". She added: "We still believe that a diplomatic solution is ach ievable and urgent". The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that the number of victims of the Israeli aggression on southern and eastern Lebanon has risen to 492 martyrs and 1,645 wounded. The ministry explained, in a statement last night, that among the martyrs were 35 children and 58 women. Source: National Iraqi News Agency