Former MP Walid Jumblatt responded via the "X" platform (formerly Twitter) to a tweet from U.S. President Joe Biden, who compared Hamas to the "ISIS" organization. Jumblatt said: "You are seeing only one side of the picture because Netanyahu called you yesterday. What about the Palestinian people, and what about Gaza, the largest prison camp in the world? Will you leave them to be burned by Israeli bombs?" He continued, "I regret to be frank or harsh, but I must tell you the truth. Remember we met a long time ago; you should call for a ceasefire and stop this descent into hell. Only a political settlement is the solution."
On another note, Jumblatt emphasized that he will maintain his position in support of the Palestinian people, Hamas and non-Hamas, in raising the occupation. He indicated in an interview with LBC that he would stand by Hezbollah and the southern people if the party decides to enter the war, and that he would be alongside Hamas and anyone being attacked by "Israel."
Regarding Lebanon, Jumblatt said, "We are in a very dangerous phase, and I officially and unofficially advised Hezbollah not to get provoked. There has been an exchange of fire between the party and the Israelis, and Hezbollah issued a clear statement that it responded to aggression as a result of rocket fire from somewhere. Again today rockets or shells were fired; I renew my words that they should not be drawn in. It is very easy to start a war and difficult to know how it ends, and even at this moment, Hamas controls the course of events despite everything that is being said."
Jumblatt confirmed his support for the southern people and anyone subjected to Israeli aggression, noting that political factions in Lebanon must recognize that no one can dictate terms. He suggested that they could do something domestically by repairing that government, as the matter of the presidency has been put on hold for now, and that they should support the government so it can fulfill its health and social responsibilities through the Higher Relief Committee and others.
When asked if he feared Lebanon could be dragged into an unexpected war, he stated, "It is my right to be concerned for the Lebanese citizen, and if our fate is another war, we must unite and leave the internal disputes we experienced regarding the presidential file to focus on protecting the citizen."
Jumblatt sent a message to Hezbollah's Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, saying: "I know that your calculations are not only Lebanese but regional, as you are a key player in the region, and you may be the one who decides or not, but I repeat my wish that you not get provoked."
