A Region on Fire
Issue 38 - November 4, 2024 

Political Developments in Lebanon

According to The Washington Post, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized that the government's top priority is the "full implementation" of UN Resolution 1701. Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri expressed his desire for an immediate ceasefire, saying, "I want the ceasefire yesterday, today, and tomorrow." In discussions about the country’s next president, Mikati stressed the need for a "consensus leader" in Lebanon, warning that the country is "known for missing opportunities" due to deep political divisions.

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt met with caretaker Prime Minister Mikati to discuss the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the worsening conditions for displaced people, especially with winter approaching. After the meeting, Jumblatt remarked that "only the state can protect us through supporting and strengthening the army" and urged U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to respond to both Speaker Berri and Prime Minister Mikati about a ceasefire, calling on the U.S. to help enforce one.

Public Works Minister Ali Hamieh stated in a televised interview that Mikati is actively working to shield Lebanon's land and sea crossings from Israeli attacks. Hamieh also noted ongoing efforts to repair the Jisr al-Sabea road targeted by Israel and that the Ministry is coordinating with security agencies to restore and reopen the main international road at Masnaa.

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi appealed to the UN and the Arab and international communities to push for a diplomatic intervention to stop the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. He warned that neglecting the displacement crisis could lead to serious social and economic challenges. Al-Rahi called for a greater awareness of property rights and peaceful coexistence and stressed the importance of reopening public and private schools to ensure education for the younger generations.


Humanitarian Response in Lebanon
 

The Beirut Disaster and Crisis Management Room reported that the Beirut Guard Brigade has relocated displaced people from tents in Martyrs' Square to the "Flora Guesthouse" shelter in the Karantina area, housing about 25 individuals, including children. The guard removed the tents, and efforts are underway to find additional shelter for other displaced individuals who wish to relocate.

The Minister of Education announced that public schools, high schools, and vocational schools will open their doors on Monday for teachers who choose to conduct in-person classes. These schools, which have been informed, will begin the new academic year despite the challenging situation in the country.
 

International Developments in Lebanon

Turkey’s Foreign Minister announced that his country, along with 52 other nations—including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Algeria, China, Iran, and Russia, as well as the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation—submitted a letter to the United Nations calling for an end to arms supplies to Israel.
The final statement of the Turkish-African Ministerial Conference condemned Israel’s indiscriminate targeting of civilians in Gaza.

During a visit to Israel's northern border, the Israeli Prime Minister stated that, with or without an agreement, the key to securing the region lies in pushing Hezbollah beyond the Litani River and disrupting any of its efforts to rearm. He emphasized cutting off Hezbollah's "oxygen pipeline" from Iran via Syria.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that the ground offensive in Lebanon would continue as long as necessary.

Israel's broadcasting authority reported that American Airlines has canceled all flights to Israel through the end of summer 2025.

The UNRWA Commissioner-General warned that dismantling the agency without a viable replacement would deprive Palestinian children of education.

Instead of focusing on banning the agency or finding alternatives, efforts should be directed toward ending the conflict.

Iran’s President declared, "We will not leave any attack on our security and sovereignty unanswered," noting that a potential ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon could influence Iran’s response to recent Israeli attacks on Iranian military sites.

The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard stated that the "resistance holds the upper hand in the region," warning Washington and Tel Aviv of a harsh response to the "Axis of Evil."

Meanwhile, American B-52 bombers have arrived in the Middle East underscores growing tensions and the potential for escalation.