Lebanese Army Issues Statement After the Martyrdom of Nasrallah

The Army Command - Directorate of Guidance issued the following statement: "In light of the continued criminal aggression by the Israeli enemy, which has resulted in the martyrdom of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and more than a thousand martyrs, in addition to thousands of wounded over the past few days, the Army Command urges citizens to maintain national unity and refrain from actions that could harm civil peace during this critical and sensitive period in our nation's history. The Israeli enemy is working to execute its destructive plans and sow division among the Lebanese. The Army Command continues to take necessary security measures and fulfill its national duty to preserve civil peace. It calls on citizens to cooperate with these measures and uphold national unity, which remains the only guarantee for Lebanon." Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

French Foreign Minister arrives in Beirut

The new French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot arrived this evening at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, on a visit to Lebanon during which he will hold talks with Lebanese officials over the current situation. He was received in the VIP lounge at the airport by Caretaker Minister of Health, Firass Abiad, and French Ambassador Hervé Magro. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Mikati following “Governmental Emergency Committee” meeting reveals that displaced number is reaching one million, affirms that no matter how long the war, we will return to Resolution 1701 & army is ready to implement

Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired a meeting of the "Government Emergency Committee" this morning at the Grand Serail, which was devoted to discussing the diplomatic contacts underway to reach a diplomatic solution that leads to a ceasefire. The concerned caretaker ministers also briefed the committee members on the conditions of the displaced families who were forced to flee their homes in the areas witnessing aggression. The Prime Minister indicated that the Emergency Authority provided the needed statistics in this regard, noting that the number of displaced persons is approaching one million, denoting the largest displacement operation in history, whereby the government is exerting all efforts to meet their urgent needs within the available capabilities. "The state is doing everything necessary and is mobilizing all its apparatuses to secure this matter. The Lebanese also have great chivalry, and we can only thank everyone who helped, opened their homes, and provided the necessary assistance to the she lters and other centers," Mikati said. He added, "It was agreed that the Ministries of Social Affairs and Education would assume their responsibilities and follow up on the issue, and we are trying to distribute tasks among the departments and ministries to follow up on each shelter center according to its specialization." He also indicated that the Public Health Minister presented a full report on the situation and his ministry is excellently performing its role. Mikati also revealed that the governors will be invited to meet at the Grand Serail within the next two days with the relevant ministers to discuss all issues and listen to their requests and needs within their scope of duties. As for the issue of donations, the Prime Minister indicated that instructions were given to the Director General of Customs to accept all donations immediately without collecting customs dues, and to facilitate their entry on condition that the donor and the administration granting the donation are known. "As for the fundin g process, it is divided into two parts, internal and external. On this subject, we will hold a meeting next Tuesday, most likely, with the donor agencies and donor countries, asking them to help at this stage, and there will be coordination between all to provide the funds under the monitoring and supervision of the Lebanese state.' Asked about the diplomatic efforts he is undertaking, Mikati replied: 'We will not hesitate for a moment to pursue the diplomatic role, and we have no choice but the diplomatic option. Since the beginning of the crisis, we have called for implementing Resolution 1701, and I also mentioned the matter in my address at the Security Council, and all our positions confirm this...No matter how long the war lasts, we will eventually return to Resolution #1701...The army is ready for this matter, and we must provide it with the requirements to be present. Today the army is present on the border and sometimes we cannot secure food for it, because the trucks that provide food are exposed to aggression. Therefore, all our contacts focus on implementing this resolution." Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Mikati receives condolences call from his Iraqi counterpart, reiterating his country’s supportive stance towards Lebanon

Prime Minister Najib Mikati received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who reiterated his country's firm and principled position in supporting Lebanon and standing by it, and continuing to extend all assistance needed by the brotherly Lebanese people. He stressed "the need to coordinate Arab and Islamic efforts to stop the ongoing Zionist attacks that threaten the security and stability of the region." The Iraqi Prime Minister also offered Iraq's condolences, government and people, for the martyrdom of the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and his companions. In turn, Prime Minister Mikati thanked his Iraqi counterpart for "his affection and Iraq's permanent support for Lebanon," reiterating "the priority of working to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon." Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Hezbollah mourns martyrs Nabil Qaouk, Ali Karaki

Hezbollah issued two statements today, confirming the martyrdom of two of its prominent cadres, Sheikh Nabil Qaouk and Jihadi Leader Ali Karaki, who fell as martyrs in the Zionist raid in the Chiyah and Haret Hreik regions. Hezbollah offered its condolences to His Eminence the Leader Imam Khamenei, and to the honorable and patient families of the martyrs, asking for mercy to be upon their souls and for patience for their people. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon