Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, Sheikh Ali Khatib, has voiced profound regret over the lack of any decisive Arab or international stance against the ongoing Israeli crimes in southern Lebanon. These actions target health institutions, official buildings, and civilians with bombings and explosions, resulting in casualties, most recently exemplified by the Kafr Raman massacre, without accountability.
In a statement, he declared, "We strongly oppose the transformation of southern Lebanon into a pawn for electoral gains by the ruling Zionist faction, while the Lebanese authorities merely resort to ineffective rhetoric and continue to place sole reliance on negotiations with the adversary, despite past negotiations failing to deter the enemy's genocidal tactics against our people, cities, and afflicted towns."
He further stated, "International silence in response to these attacks is as perilous as the assaults themselves, as it provides a political cover for their continuance and undermines faith in the international justice system, which is supposed to safeguard peoples and their rights. Additionally, merely issuing statements of concern and condemnation without practical measures raises serious questions about the double standards that govern major nations' positions concerning Lebanon and the region."
Khatib continued, "On the Arab front, the absence of a unified and effective stance commensurate with the challenges facing Lebanon leaves the south and its people in an ongoing confrontation with repeated aggressions. It is not sufficient to offer statements of solidarity; what is required is serious political and diplomatic action in international forums to pressure for the cessation of violations, protect civilians, and preserve Lebanon's sovereignty."