Lebanon issues warning to Hamas, expressing concern over potential involvement in regional conflicts.
Here's a fresh take on the situation:
President Joseph Aoun sent a stern message today, declaring that Lebanon will not stand idly by as any party tries to drag the country into regional conflicts. The Supreme Defense Council, presided over by Aoun, issued a decisive warning to Hamas, urging them to cease using Lebanese territory for hostile actions.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Aoun emphasized that Lebanon will not tolerate becoming a breeding ground for instability. He further added that the country will not be a pawn in wars it seeks to avoid.
The council advised that the government issue a clear warning to Hamas, expressing concerns about the prolonged use of Lebanese territory for actions that endanger national security. If Hamas persists, the council promised to take the most severe measures to safeguard the country's sovereignty.
While recognizing the Palestinian cause, Aoun stressed that Lebanon will not entertain any attempts to expose it to danger.
No quick response came from Hamas following the council's statement.
The meeting saw military and security officials offering insights about the current state of security across Lebanon, including recent rocket attacks from Lebanon towards Israel. Prime Minister Salam reiterated the government's position on the need to eliminate unauthorized weapons under Lebanon's National Accord Document.
In April, the Lebanese army thwarted an attempt to launch rockets from southern Lebanon towards Israel, just days after the arrest of Lebanese and Palestinian suspects linked to rocket attacks on March 22 and 28. The Lebanese government has since beefed up border controls to prevent further rocket launches towards Israel or Syria amid mounting international pressure to disarm Hezbollah.
Tensions have eased since a fragile ceasefire was instated in November, following months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, resulting in the death and injury of hundreds. Despite a deadline set for a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Israel continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.
Historically, Lebanon has been a hub for Palestinian factions. The government has taken steps to disarm unauthorized weapons, particularly those held by Palestinian factions in refugee camps. For instance, the Lebanese military seized approximately 800 rockets stored in a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon, following hostile acts linked to Hamas.
A broader initiative, involving Palestinian leadership and external actors like Saudi Arabia, aims to disarm all armed Palestinian factions in Lebanon.MAhmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, is set to visit Beirut, where he plans to push for the disarmament of all Palestinian factions, including his own Fatah. A security committee has been planned to oversee this disarmament process. Those refusing to disarm could face the loss of political support and potential forceful measures.
In essence, Lebanon is determined to stop Hamas from using Lebanese territory for attacks against Israel or any hostile activities, aiming to safeguard Lebanese sovereignty and security. This stance is part of a broader campaign to disarm unauthorized armed groups within Lebanon, including Palestinian factions, with the goal of stabilizing the country and strengthening state authority.
[1] Lebanese President warns against using Lebanon as a platform for war, Al Jazeera English, May 25, 2022.
[2] Lebanon: Palestinian factions vow to resist any disarmament efforts, Middle East Eye, May 20, 2022.
[3] Lebanon: Lebanese army seizes more rockets linked to Hamas from northern border, Middle East Monitor, May 6, 2022.
[4] Lebanese government cracks down on armed groups amid Israeli pressure, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, April 26, 2022.
- The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of peace talks.
- Official reports indicate that the Prime Minister of Lebanon, in his latest statement, reiterated the government's stance on maintaining neutrality in the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the region, particularly the one between Israel and Hamas.
- Amid mounting international pressure, Hamas has been reported to be holding meetings with various political and military leaders to discuss their strategy in light of Lebanon's decision to not tolerate hostile actions on its territory.
- News agencies are requesting statements from the President of Israel in response to Lebanon's decision to prevent Hamas from using its territory for attacks against Israel, a move that could potentially affect the regional politics and general-news.
- A general increase in fire incidents along the Israel-Lebanon border has been attributed to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both parties accusing each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement.
- The meeting between the Prime Minister of Lebanon and the Supreme Defense Council was intended to discuss the country's response to Hamas' continued use of Lebanon for attacks on Israel, a move that threatens the national security and sovereignty of the country.
- With Hamas refusing to disarm and continuing its attacks on Israel, the government of Lebanon is considering imposing sanctions on the Palestinian faction, a move that the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has criticized.
- The Lebanese government, in a recent report, stated that it will take all necessary measures to protect its territory from becoming a battleground for war, including disarming unauthorized armed groups within the country, including Palestinian factions.
- The military of Israel has reportedly responded to Hamas' attacks by increasing its presence along the border with Lebanon, a move that has raised concerns among Lebanese officials regarding potential escalations in violence.
- In an effort to maintain stability in the region, efforts are being made to disarm all armed Palestinian factions in Lebanon, with Lebanese authorities and external actors like Saudi Arabia taking steps to achieve this goal, as per the broader initiative outlined in the text.
