Lebanon's former PM criticises 'international abandonment'

In a recent interview with BBC News, Fouad Siniora, Lebanon's former Prime Minister, expressed profound concern over the international community's apparent abandonment of his country amid escalating violence and political instability.

Siniora, who served as Prime Minister during Lebanon’s last war with Israel in 2006, characterized the current situation as dire, stating it is unacceptable for Lebanon to be left to "fall" without significant international efforts to restore peace.

He emphasized that Lebanon requires a coordinated effort, not just locally but also from Arab nations and the broader international community.

Siniora's comments come at a time when the American administration is primarily focused on its upcoming elections, which he believes hampers effective international involvement in the region.

"You can push things — sometimes to the brink of falling — into a major catastrophe without really realizing what it means later on," he warned, highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting Lebanon’s stability.

Reflecting on Lebanon's troubled past, particularly the 2006 war with Israel, Siniora articulated his concerns regarding the current Lebanese government's handling of the situation.

He asserted that the leaders of today have failed to disassociate themselves from Hezbollah's actions, which he sees as detrimental to Lebanon's sovereignty.

Siniora recalled how his government clearly distanced itself from Hezbollah's provocative actions that led to the 2006 war, stating, "My government was very clear and determined in stating that we were not aware, and we were not informed, of Hezbollah’s plan to cross the Blue Line on the border and to kidnap and kill Israeli soldiers."

In stark contrast, he noted that the current government has made no similar efforts to distance itself from Hezbollah, which he argues has effectively "kidnapped" Lebanon as a state, with Iranian influence looming large behind the group.

This power vacuum, compounded by Lebanon's inability to elect a new president since Michel Aoun's term ended nearly two years ago, has created an environment where Hezbollah's influence has become increasingly difficult to control.

The country has been operating under a caretaker government since the last elections in 2022, and many Lebanese citizens feel leadership is in short supply.

Siniora firmly believes that Lebanon's situation should not be inextricably linked to the ongoing war in Gaza.

He stated, “Since October 2023, things have been dragging and getting worse and worse. Many chances were made available to dissociate the Lebanese situation from Gaza.”

He urged that, especially in light of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza — where over 2.2 million Palestinians have become homeless and vast areas have been devastated — it is crucial for Lebanon to maintain its own distinct narrative and not be dragged into a conflict that does not directly concern it.

The current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified significantly, with Israel conducting extensive military operations in Lebanon in response to rocket fire from the group.

Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have led to at least 2,083 deaths and 9,869 injuries in Lebanon over the past year.

As violence escalates, Siniora's warnings become increasingly pressing, emphasizing the need for urgent international diplomatic initiatives to stabilize the region.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is also deepening as a result of the conflict.

The United Nations estimates that over one million people have been displaced, creating a "major displacement crisis" that has overwhelmed local authorities.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi noted that some airstrikes in Lebanon have violated international law, raising serious concerns about the protection of civilians and infrastructure.

The UN has called for approximately $425.7 million in aid to respond to the escalating humanitarian needs, but funding remains insufficient.

The backdrop of violence is dire: in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 41,909 deaths since the conflict's escalation began in October 2023.

Reports of widespread destruction and civilian suffering have garnered international attention, yet Siniora argues that the plight of Lebanon is often overshadowed by the larger narrative surrounding Gaza.

As tensions rise, with the Israeli military launching heavy bombardments on Lebanese territory, Siniora's call for international action highlights the urgent need for a concerted diplomatic approach to address the crises in both Lebanon and Gaza.

He stressed the importance of local, regional, and international collaboration to restore peace and stability in the region.

Irael has intensified its attacks on southern Lebanon and targeted Beirut's southern suburbs as Hezbollah launched missile strikes on northern Israel, including areas near Haifa.

The Israeli military reported conducting 120 strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon within just one hour on Monday.

Meanwhile, evacuation efforts have been underway amid escalating Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon with South Korea and Australia ramping up efforts to ensure the safe departure and evacuation of their citizens.

In conclusion, the situation in Lebanon, exacerbated by the current conflict with Israel and Hezbollah, requires immediate and sustained international attention.

Siniora's insights reflect a deep understanding of the historical complexities and current challenges facing Lebanon, underscoring the need for a proactive and unified response from the global community to avert further deterioration of peace and security in this volatile region