WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- War in the Middle East rages on, as the Israeli military announced it will launch operations on Lebanon's southern coast. "We're watching this very closely," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Triad community members rally in solidarity with Israel one year after Oct. 7 attacks Israel has bombed the capital of Lebanon for days as part of its efforts against Hezbollah. The Lebanon health ministry reports more than 1,400 people have died. On the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, Hezbollah and Hamas fired rockets toward Israel. The State Department says this is what Hamas wants. "They have been hoping for a wider regional war. They have been hoping for a wider, escalation of this conflict," Miller said. However, the U.S. is still hoping for a ceasefire. "That brings the hostages home, that alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, that that, allows humanitarian aid to surge into Gaza," Miller said. The State Department says it will support Israel in its effort to defend against Hamas and Hezbollah.  "Target militants, to degrade Hezbollah's infrastructure, to degrade Hezbollah's capability," Miller said. Currently, the U.S. is organizing flights to get American citizens, legal residents and family members, out of Lebanon. "So, eight flights. Capacity of 300 on each, for a total of 2,400 available seats on the U.S. organized flights," Miller said. The State Department will continue these efforts for those who are choosing to leave the area.