Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining the state’s monopoly on the use of force. He called on the international community to provide urgent support to Lebanon in light of the escalating security and humanitarian challenges the country is currently facing.
Salam explained that the government is working to address the repercussions of recent developments, at a time when humanitarian and logistical pressures are increasing due to the rising number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Lebanon. He also indicated that the country needs urgent international assistance to overcome this difficult period.
Confining weapons to the state
The Lebanese Prime Minister stressed that the state is determined to restore its full authority over all its territory. He affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing practical steps to ensure that weapons are solely in the hands of legitimate institutions.
He added that the Lebanese army has dismantled more than 500 military sites and weapons depots in areas south of the Litani River in recent months. This comes as part of efforts to strengthen state control and establish security and stability in those areas.
International calls for a ceasefire
In a related development, Prime Minister Tammam Salam received UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Grand Serail in Beirut. They discussed the security situation in Lebanon and ways to contain the military escalation.
During the meeting, Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire. He also urged all parties to work towards ending the war and creating the conditions for a solution that guarantees Lebanon’s stability.
The death toll has risen
In a related development, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2nd has risen to 773. An additional 1,933 people have been injured.
These developments come amid escalating military tensions in the region. There are also concerns about a worsening humanitarian and security situation within Lebanon.
