The Cabinet will hold a session today, Wednesday, at the governmental palace to discuss urgent developments and approve measures to be taken by the National Emergency Committee, particularly concerning the provision of supplies and strengthening hospitals with necessary health needs.
In a statement, Prime Minister Najib Mikati remarked, "Our national responsibility necessitated holding an extraordinary government meeting to confront the Israeli aggression, denounce the assassination and killing of children, and accompany the security developments that occurred last night, which have shifted the situation from engagement to an open state of danger with significant fears, particularly through the targeting of the capital with an Israeli attack that resulted in innocent victims, as if Lebanon has become a battlefield of war, killing, and destruction."
He stated, "I would have preferred if the boycotting ministers had participated in today’s session, as the practice of boycotting is ineffective in this dangerous circumstance. Here in Beirut, we are under bombardment, and humanitarian justice is being assassinated; the south is still under bombardment, burning, killing, displacement, and destruction of towns, with the world watching as if all these crimes are merely incidents."
Mikati added, "We strongly condemn this aggression against the southern suburb of Beirut and raise our voices warning against the situation deteriorating further if the enemy continues its reckless and deadly criminal madness. We extend our condolences to the victims' families and hope for the cessation of the killing, questioning the reasons behind this development and fearing an escalation of the situation, unless the concerned countries and the entire international community swiftly act to curb this dangerous unruliness."
He continued, "We also strongly condemn the assassination of the head of the political bureau of Hamas, Ismail Haniya, and view this act as a serious threat that expands the circle of global concern and danger in the region. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims in Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan."
Mikati called on "the world, which witnesses the crimes of Israel, to compel it to stop the fire and adhere to international resolutions and laws, including the implementation of Resolution 1701, and it is enough for the world to be a witness to its crimes and violations which have exceeded tens of thousands."
"My appeal to the Lebanese is to unite and demonstrate our solidarity with our people, refusing any aggression against any area of Lebanon. We demand the immediate and complete implementation of Resolution 1701 and call on the international community and peace brokers to be witnesses to the truth, condemn falsehood, and work towards security and stability. We will remain in constant communication with Lebanon's friends and Arab brothers to prevent the escalation of matters and work to avert acute dangers that will have significant repercussions."
The Prime Minister concluded, stating, "The bombardment of the southern suburb is an attack on initiatives for goodwill, calming efforts, and agreements. We will continue striving to save our country and protect our society from any danger, affirming that Lebanon does not want war but rather seeks to preserve the dignity of its people and its sovereignty over land, sea, and air, without any compromise regarding its rights."
