During its weekly meeting, chaired by party leader MP Sami Gemayel, the political bureau of the "Kataeb" party closely monitored reports concerning the tragic developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its repercussions on southern Lebanon. The Kataeb party stated that "resorting to the logic of force and continuing the cycle of violence has only brought destruction for 75 years, with this conflict bringing devastation, blood, and tears to the countries of the region, displacing the Palestinian people and leaving them at the mercy of agreements that remained ink on paper and false promises."
The statement added: "The price paid by civilians in these recurring wars is a result of the international community's failure to enforce international resolutions and the lack of intention to find a lasting solution to this conflict, which has cost Lebanon dearly since its independence." The party noted that "what occurred yesterday in the south threatens to drag Lebanon into a new war that it is unnecessary to engage in, serving a plan aimed at consolidating power equations in the region and prioritizing foreign interests at the expense of Lebanese interests."
It further stated, "The use of Lebanese territory and linking it to the Palestinian arena is entirely rejected; neither Hezbollah nor any Palestinian factions can speak on behalf of Lebanon in wartime or peacetime, as this decision belongs to the Lebanese state and all its institutions." The party warned against "dragging Lebanon into the ongoing confrontations in Gaza," considering Lebanon's sovereignty a "red line" and asserting that any reckless step will lead to consequences that Lebanon should not shoulder, particularly in its current state, where all sectors and institutions have suffered collapse.
The party called on "the international community to urge all parties involved in this confrontation to spare Lebanon any descent into conflict and to pressure to prevent the ignition of the southern front, urging the Lebanese army and legitimate forces to intensify their efforts to maintain calm along the blue line and adhere to resolution 1701."
In conclusion, it stated: "During this new round of conflict, the international community must prioritize human rights and protect civilians. The Arab foreign ministers meeting tomorrow and the nations of the world are called upon to make a bold and final decision to reach a just solution that alleviates oppression and injustice from the Palestinian people, based on the Arab Peace Initiative launched at the Beirut summit in 2002, which recommended the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the 'land for peace' equation. This has now become a demand for every sane individual who places the interests of their country and people above all else."
