Geagea: Hezbollah Worsening Gaza Situation, Not Providing Aid

In a recent televised interview, Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, strongly criticized Hezbollah. He blamed the group for exacerbating regional tensions rather than contributing to their resolution.

Since the onset of hostilities between Hamas and Israel on October 7, the border between Lebanon and Israel has been the scene of almost daily clashes. These skirmishes have resulted in the deaths of at least 202 people in Southern Lebanon, including 147 members of Hezbollah. Additionally, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians, among them three journalists, two rescuers, and a Lebanese soldier.

Geagea, speaking on MTV, asserted that Hezbollah’s actions are hindering progress towards a peaceful solution, labeling the group as “Lebanon’s biggest problem.” He called on the Lebanese government to assert control over the situation in the south. Despite operating in a caretaker capacity, Geagea emphasized that the government bears the responsibility to prevent war and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, which ended the conflict in 2006, stipulates the withdrawal of all armed personnel north of the Litani River, excluding United Nations peacekeepers and Lebanese state security forces.

Echoing these sentiments, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that Lebanon is prepared to adhere to international resolutions, provided Israel also complies and vacates disputed territories.