The "Loyalty to Resistance" bloc condemned, on Thursday, the programmed escalation and "militia-like armed appearance that occurred in the town of Khaldeh yesterday, Wednesday, following a truck overturning at one of its turns, where individuals were assaulted in an attempt to control it, along with directed gunfire that led to the martyrdom of one brother, hindering the intervention of the Lebanese Army and attempting to prevent it from curbing the provocation." During its regular meeting at its central headquarters, chaired by MP Mohammad Raad, the bloc viewed this as a result of "the incitement and foolish, hateful mobilization that constitutes an incendiary material, exploited by short-sighted individuals or those involved in projects contrary to the interests of Lebanon and the Lebanese people."
The bloc confirmed that "this escalation and its consequences are subject to ongoing investigations to confirm the facts and reveal the perpetrators and inciters and bring them to justice." It extended "its heartfelt condolences and congratulations to the family of the martyred fighter Ahmad Ali Qassas, distinguished by his composure, dignity, and courage, hoping for him great rewards and high ranks in the gardens of eternal bliss, and wishing his family patience and solace."
The bloc added, "It welcomes and supports all efforts made and being made to restore calm to the Ain al-Hilweh camp in Sidon, viewing that the interest of Palestinians in general, and those residing in camps specifically, lies in calming tensions and resolving disputes and differences through the approved frameworks and references concerned in coordination with the official Lebanese authorities." It noted that "undermining security in the camps serves the interests of the enemies of the Palestinian people and is a draining distraction for both the Palestinian and Lebanese arenas. Therefore, we call on everyone to be vigilant and cautious of anything that serves the goals of the Zionist enemy and its agents, and emphasize the necessity of reinforcing unity and solidarity among those committed to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate and just cause."
The bloc considered that "bilateral and collective dialogues are always beneficial in crystallizing ideas and bringing viewpoints closer, and habitually lead to reaching solutions through mutual understandings that are not disrupted by displays or challenges. There is no dialogue that cancels another dialogue, especially if it is paving the way for or complementing it, and what is happening today between Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement aims to clarify positions, explain motives, and reach a mutual conviction that strengthens the proper national position and advances to facilitate the completion of the presidential entitlement."
It continued: "The presidential vacancy does not stop the legislative or oversight work of the parliamentary council or the council of ministers, but it requires them to take into account certain provisions and legal articles related to the powers exclusively granted to the President of the Republic according to the constitutional text and what follows from it. Accordingly, the resigned Council of Ministers can continue managing the interests of the state and the Lebanese people to the minimum extent necessary for the conduct of affairs and operation of public facilities, while the Parliament continues its legislative and oversight work, applying constitutional articles that regulate that."
The bloc pointed out that "the use of some individuals of the weapon of sanctions or incitement in the context of pressure and blackmail, and what some imperialist entities threaten with involvement in crimes of interference in the affairs of others to seize positions and interests and exercise intimidation against governments, states, and peoples, will not deter us from continuing to strive for a national understanding in order to achieve the presidential entitlement in the best possible way and according to the requirements of the constitution."
It called on "the government and its security and regulatory agencies to exert maximum possible efforts amid the current difficult circumstances to maintain security and prevent the escalating tensions in most Lebanese regions, where those involved do not hesitate to open fire and commit crimes."
The bloc also urged "relevant and specialized agencies and municipalities in general to be strict in applying public safety standards in building, roads, and vehicles, to avoid more disasters that we have witnessed and are witnessing in several areas, the latest of which was the fire that broke out in commercial warehouse basements inside a residential building, which firefighters struggled to extinguish for days due to violations and obstructive barriers that prevented rescuing what could be saved, resulting in significant material damages and hardships for many families who were displaced from their homes."
It added, "Whereas the bloc follows up on these two matters earnestly and seriously with the government and relevant parties, it stands in solidarity with the affected citizens and salutes the heroes of the Civil Defense and the Beirut Fire Brigade in general, particularly in the southern suburbs, and extends its warmest condolences and sympathy to the family of the martyr firefighter Muhammad Jihad Baidi."
