Lebanese Foreign Minister Warns: Risk of Lebanon Becoming a "Second Gaza"

Lebanese Foreign Minister Warns: Risk of Lebanon Becoming a "Second Gaza"
The Lebanese Foreign Minister's warning of Lebanon turning into a "second Gaza" highlights the urgent need for immediate international action to curb Hezbollah and end its dominance over Lebanese sove
September 23, 2024, 11:36 pm

جنوب لبنان يشهد موجة نزوح كبيرة

In a dangerous development threatening to turn Lebanon into a full-scale war zone, Hezbollah's military adventures have caused hundreds of civilian casualties, prompting Lebanese Foreign Minister Bassam Mawlawi to warn of the risk of his country becoming a "second Gaza." This highlights the heavy price Lebanon is paying as a result of Hezbollah's reckless policies.

Since Monday morning, the Lebanese border has witnessed the most intense Israeli raids since the start of the war in Gaza, with about 300 raids carried out on towns in the south and Bekaa. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, this bombardment has killed 182 people and injured 727 others, including children, women, and paramedics.

Reports from human rights organizations indicate that Hezbollah bears significant responsibility for endangering civilians by deploying its military sites in residential areas, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

In a reaction showing disregard for civilian lives, Hezbollah launched rocket salvos and drones towards civilian areas in northern Israel, injuring five Israelis and causing property damage. The escalation by the party confirms its inability to protect Lebanon and its residents, and reveals its own agenda that has nothing to do with Lebanese national interests.

Experts in Lebanese affairs view Hezbollah's continued dragging of Lebanon into wars it cannot handle as an existential threat to the Lebanese state and undermines chances for peace and stability in the region.

In light of this dangerous escalation, international observers have called for the need to implement UN resolutions, especially Resolution 1559, which calls for the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon, including Hezbollah. These observers emphasize that the continued presence of weapons outside the state framework poses a direct threat to Lebanese sovereignty and exposes the country to countless risks.

The question remains: How long will the Lebanese people continue to pay the price for Hezbollah's military adventures? And is it time to put an end to the organization's dominance over Lebanese sovereign decision-making?

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