Representative Taymour Jumblatt, head of the Progressive Socialist Party, held a consultative meeting with the Crisis Cell in Iqlim al-Kharroub and some active figures in the region who are involved in humanitarian work. This meeting was devoted to discussing ways of cooperation to confront the displacement crisis and the difficult conditions that Lebanon is going through.
At the beginning of the meeting, Jumblatt expressed his gratitude to the participants for their efforts, saying: “The people of the region are always, and at every stage of Lebanon’s crises, at the forefront.”
He also warned of possible developments in the coming period, stressing that “the war may prolong, and if there is a ceasefire in Iran, this does not mean that the war in Lebanon will end tomorrow.” He pointed out that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is talking about expanding his operations in Lebanon, which requires “expecting the worst.”
He added: “We cannot control decisions about war and peace, as they are in the hands of the United States, Iran and Israel, but we can control basic matters in Lebanon, the most important of which is eliminating strife,” noting that “tension has begun to appear on the ground.”
Jumblatt criticized some political and media statements, saying that “some parties and the media are attacking the army, the only institution that is still standing,” warning that “shaking the army means shaking the entire country.”
He stressed that “the only beneficiary of strife is Israel,” calling on all political parties to consult to avoid it, and to benefit from lessons learned from previous experiences, especially the years 2006 and 2024.
He explained that the meetings with officials focus on “removing strife, supporting hospitals and clinics, and supporting the host community,” in addition to “intensifying security measures in Beirut and the Mountain,” and he revealed an upcoming meeting with the President of the Republic to discuss the security situation.
Jumblatt stressed that “humanitarian work is a national duty,” stressing that “our Shiite brothers are our people and the sons of this country, and they suffer like others.”
The meeting witnessed a presentation of the challenges related to the displacement crisis, especially providing basic needs in light of the large increase in the number of displaced people in shelter centers and homes, in addition to the importance of maintaining security and supporting the steadfastness of the population if the war continues.
After the meeting, Jumblatt held an expanded party meeting to discuss the displacement management file, in the presence of Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and a number of representatives and party officials.
He expressed his thanks to those present for the “national and humanitarian role,” stressing that the party’s response to the displacement crisis stems from “established national constants,” and aims to “confront any attempt at closure or isolation, and protect the country from sectarian tension.”
These movements come in light of the escalation of internal displacement as a result of Israeli raids on the southern regions, which places great pressure on the areas receiving the displaced, including Iqlim al-Kharroub.
This is accompanied by escalating fears of internal tensions, due to tense political discourse, which prompts political forces to emphasize the need to protect civil peace and prevent a slide towards strife.
The focus on supporting health and security institutions also reflects an attempt to contain the negative effects of the crisis, at a stage that is considered among the most sensitive at the field and internal levels.
