Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the international community at the launch of the “Second Flash Humanitarian Appeal for Lebanon” held at the Grand Serail. The event was attended by ambassadors of donor countries, representatives of international organizations, and UN agencies, where Salam emphasized the choice of negotiation as the least costly option for Lebanon and its people.
According to National news agency – Lebanon, Prime Minister Salam highlighted the Lebanese state’s active involvement from the start of the conflict, initiating a coordinated national response plan to support nearly one million displaced individuals. This plan, led by Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed and other public institutions, aimed to assist displaced citizens and those remaining in high-risk areas in the South.
Salam reaffirmed the Lebanese commitment to ensuring a safe and dignified return for displaced citizens and praised the resilience of those who remained in their homes despite the ongoing conflict. He stressed the importance of sovereignty and the state’s role as a refuge and guarantor for its people.
The Prime Minister also outlined diplomatic efforts made in collaboration with Arab allies and international partners, resulting in a ceasefire agreement. However, he expressed disappointment over the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s rejection of the ceasefire, urging Iran to cease using Lebanon as a bargaining tool in its negotiations.
Salam appealed to the international community to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on civilians and urban centers, emphasizing the destructive impact on Lebanon’s cultural heritage and the humanitarian crisis at large. He called for comprehensive action to secure a ceasefire, protect civilians, and strengthen the Lebanese state’s humanitarian response capabilities.
The Prime Minister concluded by urging continued international support for Lebanon’s humanitarian needs, highlighting the increasing demand for sustainable solutions and the necessity of renewed solidarity from global partners.