In a recent announcement, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that 78 civilians were killed and 122 wounded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total casualties to 3,365 since the onset of the conflict. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, with over 14,000 individuals reported injured.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during a visit to Italy on October 19, expressed deep concern over the rising civilian casualties, emphasizing that the numbers are \"far too high.\" He called for Israel to scale back its military strikes, particularly in and around Beirut, as the situation escalates.

The U.S. government is actively advocating for a ceasefire to mitigate civilian suffering and facilitate the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes. Officials have been engaging with Israeli counterparts to communicate these concerns and push for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. Despite the approaching end of the current administration, U.S. representatives remain committed to their efforts, underscoring the urgency of addressing the humanitarian needs and protecting civilians caught in the conflict.