During its weekly meeting chaired by party leader MP Sami Gemayel, the Kataeb Political Bureau followed up on the developments in the Gaza Strip, condemning the destruction and the killing of civilians, and emphasizing the necessity of implementing international resolutions, as well as returning to the Arab peace initiative and the two-state solution. The party stressed in a statement that "Lebanon is not a testing ground, nor a mailbox, nor a bargaining chip for anyone. It is time for our country to rest from destructive conflicts and wars; therefore, the Kataeb Party rejects dragging Hezbollah into a new war to support its goals and the dreams of its regional patron."
It said: "We consider the statements made by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in which he officially acknowledged that the decision of war is not in the hands of the government and its head, as an official acknowledgment of the collapse of state authority, with the decision of peace and war in the hands of Hezbollah."
The statement continued: "The legitimate forces and peacekeeping troops are more than ever required to strictly adhere to the non-violation of the ceasefire agreement and resolution 1701, and to prevent Lebanese, Palestinian, and other fighters from using southern territory for acts of provocation and messaging."
The party also expressed its "deep sorrow for the martyrdom of journalist Issam Abdullah and the injuries of several journalists who were affected during their professional duties by Israeli shelling, which constitutes a blatant violation of international laws."
It added: "We affirm our rejection of the practices of intimidation and bullying faced by the media community from members of the forces in control of the south, in a scene that can only be described as regrettable, reflecting the state of the country that has been held hostage for years."
It concluded by addressing the people in the south: "We want to tell you that we hear your cries, feel your pain, and understand your concerns. You are not alone because all of Lebanon stands with you, rejecting war, destruction, displacement, and futile adventures."
