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Annalena Baerbock — Arabic — Baerbock: — Berlin — Hamas — Harakat el-Mukawame el-Islamije — Hezbollah — Hot-Topics — Houthi — Israel — jemen — Lay down — Lebanon — Must — Prompt — States — The — To the — Weapons

Baerbock: Arab states must call on Hamas to lay down its arms

Baerbock: Arab states must call on Hamas to lay down its arms

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Baerbock: Arab states must call on Hamas to lay down its arms
Baerbock: Arab states must call on Hamas to lay down its arms

Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, urges Arab nations to take immediate action against Hezbollah's weapons stockpiles in Lebanon. The Israeli border faces daily threats from Hamas, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Hezbollah. Baerbock condemns Hezbollah's violence and criticizes their use of civilians as shields, hiding weapons in farms and homes and declaring private territories. The aim of UNIFIL, which includes German soldiers, is to monitor the ceasefire.

Baerbock's call for Hamas to lay down its arms in Gaza two months ago led to increased tensions. Arab states should utilize their communication channels to secure the release of hostages and persuade Hamas to disarm. Baerbock emphasizes that Lebanon, as a party to the Arab Peace Initiative, has a role in pressuring Hezbollah to relinquish its weapons.

To force Hezbollah to disarm and de-escalate tensions with Israel, Arab countries can take several actions:

  1. Encourage a strong UN presence and enforcement of the ceasefire's terms.
  2. Engage in regional diplomacy with Lebanon, Israel, and other regional actors for a peaceful resolution.
  3. Impose targeted economic sanctions on Hezbollah if it refuses to comply.
  4. Provide military support and training to Lebanon's armed forces to improve their capabilities in controlling armed groups.
  5. Issue public condemnations of ceasefire violations.
  6. Establish a robust monitoring committee to ensure compliance.
  7. Address the root causes of Hezbollah's influence, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, through social services and economic development.

Baerbock highlights the dangers on the border between Israel and Lebanon, which is a "potential flashpoint." Hezbollah threatens Israel by directly deploying fighters on the border and firing rockets. Baerbock emphasizes the need for diplomatic means to resolve the conflict, with Arab league members taking action against Hezbollah's weapons accumulation in Lebanon. She concludes by expressing concern about Hezbollah's unwillingness to lay down its arms and the need for the Lebanese government and Arab governments to take appropriate steps for long-term stability in the region.

[Reference(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

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