Beirut, Lebanon – The Lebanese government on Thursday reiterated its strong condemnation of the violent Israeli attacks targeting residential neighborhoods in the heart of Beirut. These attacks resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, both dead and wounded. This is the heaviest and deadliest toll since the outbreak of clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in early March.
Immediate security action to protect the capital
During a joint press conference held at the Government Palace, the Lebanese Prime Minister ordered the immediate implementation of a security plan aimed at establishing full control over the capital, Beirut. He also stressed the necessity of restricting weapons to the Lebanese state and tightening legal and security measures. He affirmed that this step is intended to preempt Israeli pretexts and prevent a recurrence of attacks targeting populated neighborhoods in the capital. This, he stated, will ensure the protection of citizens and the stability of the home front.
A bloody toll: 203 dead and 1200 wounded
For his part, Lebanese Culture Minister Paul Morcos revealed the official and final toll of the recent Israeli airstrikes. He indicated that the number of martyrs had risen to 203, in addition to 33 missing persons still being searched for under the rubble. The number of wounded has also exceeded 1,200, many with serious injuries. Morcos explained that the government is “determined” to assert its sovereignty. He added that the deployment of Lebanese army units has already begun. However, he continued, “This is not enough; all security forces must be mobilized and deployed to maintain security in every inch of Beirut.”
Negotiations and national sovereignty
Regarding the delicate diplomatic track between Washington and Tehran, and the efforts to include Lebanon in the ongoing “two-week truce,” Minister Marqos stressed the necessity for the Lebanese government to take the lead in the negotiations. He emphasized that it is “fully capable of undertaking this sovereign task.”
Marqos called on the international community to exert pressure to achieve an immediate and binding ceasefire. He pointed out that Lebanon cannot remain an open arena for settling regional scores. Meanwhile, civilians in Beirut are paying the price with their lives and property.
