The Deputy Chairman of the Higher Shiite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, confirmed that "what is happening in the region affects human values, which are being violated in the clearest manner before the entire world." In a speech following a meeting with a delegation from the council and Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi in Bkerke, he expressed that "UNIFIL only records Israeli assaults without any action taken by the Security Council," emphasizing that "it is essential for the Lebanese to be united in front of the world to safeguard the country during this time, as political disagreements should not lead to contention."
Al-Khatib indicated that national unity in Lebanon is needed today to preserve the country and that political disputes should be postponed and not reflect divisions within national unity, stating, "We are all in the same boat." For his part, Al-Rahi affirmed that "the visit of the delegation from the Higher Shiite Islamic Council is dear to our hearts, and the war in Gaza has regrettably taught us that the world does not care about the needs of humans, as human life has lost all its value, dignity, and sanctity, which goes against all our divine teachings." He noted that "humanity has lost its value in this era, and we pray for God to put an end to this evil. The war on Gaza makes us understand that the goal is to extinguish the Palestinian cause and demand their rights in a state of their own, but this issue will not die because the truth is above everything."
Al-Rahi stated, "We will contact MP Mohammad Raad to offer our condolences for his son, hoping that the blood of the martyrs serves Lebanon as a sacrifice and protection for the country, allowing it to remain a land of convergence and coexistence." He continued, "We look forward to joining our hands together, continuing our spiritual service, and we find it critically important to hold our spiritual summit to unify our position. This meeting instills confidence in our people, who have lost faith in everyone and see no new horizons."
