The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati indicated during a cabinet meeting at the Grand Serail that "fifty-five days of war on Gaza, alongside Israeli assaults on Lebanon resulting in casualties and martyrs, are a history we live through in blood, and we hope that matters will end in peace following the experience of the truce that has reflected on the reality of the south." He added, "The range of meetings and communications I have conducted indicates that international directions aim to establish a solution based on the two-state solution and a system of humanitarian justice." Mikati continued, "The envoys, from our Arab brothers and international friends of Lebanon who visit Lebanon and conduct communications to end the war and establish the foundations of peace, are appreciated for their efforts aimed at expediting the presidential elections and monitoring the ongoing Israeli assaults and provocations in the south, as well as the casualties. I conveyed this situation today to the French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and confirmed that the priority is to stop the Israeli aggression on southern Lebanon and Gaza."
He pointed out that "the government continues to bear its responsibilities and works to provide services to our people in the south despite the difficult circumstances, and we value their resilience and sacrifices." He emphasized, "Regarding the living conditions, we urge the Minister of Economy to monitor prices and prevent the greed of some who exploit the circumstances of events and holiday seasons, as protecting the people is our priority."
Speaking about the strike by public administration employees, Mikati reminded everyone that "we initiated discussions over a month ago with the Ministry of Finance about studying incentives and productivity allowances for employees, as they cannot continue under the current salary conditions. We have begun preparing two decrees—the first concerning public administration employees and independent institutions, and the second regarding security and military apparatuses, which will be examined by the ministerial committee specialized in the public sector file after consulting the Shura Council on the texts of both decrees. As soon as we receive the Shura Council's opinion, I will call the ministerial committee to meet to present the matter, preparing it for review by the Council of Ministers. Therefore, the pressure on us regarding the strike is futile because we were the ones who initiated the matter from the beginning and are following it in all its details."
Mikati added: "Today, November 29, coincides with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which coincides with the issuance of the UN Security Council resolution regarding the partitioning of Palestine. This day provides an opportunity to draw international attention to the fact that the Palestinian cause remains unresolved to this day and that the Palestinian people have yet to obtain their rights. Coincidentally, while the United Nations commemorates the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, this people faces increasing Israeli assaults to usurp its rights to its land and sovereignty over it, while the international community turns a blind eye to the aggressive practices committed by Israel, which include killing civilians, children, and women. However, it is notable that there is a growing awakening among the peoples of several major countries to support the Palestinian people through the large popular marches that take place daily in these countries, condemning the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza."
He concluded by congratulating, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for winning the right to host the "Expo 2030" in Riyadh, focusing on sustainable development goals and launching a set of solutions for humanity's development. This victory adds to the series of successes and steps being taken by the Kingdom.
