US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, on Saturday, stressed that the United States is committed to reaching a diplomatic solution in Lebanon, and urged Israel to improve the "dire" conditions in Gaza, according to a statement issued by the Pentagon.

According to the statement, Austin "affirmed the United States' commitment to reaching a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to safely return to their homes on both sides of the border" in his call with Israel Katz, according to a Pentagon spokesman.

Austin also "urged the government of Israel to continue taking steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and stressed the United States' commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including American citizens."

The United Nations and others have repeatedly denounced the humanitarian conditions, especially in northern Gaza, where Israel said on Friday it had killed two commanders involved in a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

In the call with Katz, Austin also discussed ongoing Israeli operations and reaffirmed "Washington's unwavering commitment to Israel's security," the Pentagon said.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said on Saturday that 11 people were killed in a violent Israeli air strike on central Beirut on Saturday, in a strike that shook the Lebanese capital as Israel continues its intensive military campaign against the Hezbollah group.

A Lebanese security source said that an eight-storey building was hit by four missiles, including bunker-busting types designed to hit underground targets.

Israel has used bunker-busting missiles to assassinate Hezbollah leaders, including the group's secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, in a raid on southern Beirut last September.

The Lebanese Health Ministry says at least 3,645 people have been killed since October 2023, when Hezbollah began exchanging fire with Israel in support of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.