Lebanese PM Calls on Iran to Spare South Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict

During the launch of an urgent humanitarian appeal, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the audience, expressing his gratitude for the continued support extended to Lebanon. He recalled that three months ago, they met amid the early days of a war Lebanon neither chose nor sought. Salam expressed hope that their current meeting would mark the end of the crisis rather than the beginning of a new chapter.

He noted that three months have passed since the imposition of this war on Lebanon. From the outset, the Lebanese state was active, activating the central operations room through the Disaster Risk Management Unit at the Grand Serail. Under the leadership of Minister of Social Affairs Hanin Al-Sayyid, a comprehensive and coordinated national response plan was launched.

The plan targeted nearly one million displaced persons forced to leave their homes due to the conflict. Some sought refuge in state-run shelters, while others remained outside these centers. The state provided support through the Council of the South, the Higher Relief Commission, and other institutions, including cash assistance. Additionally, the plan addressed the needs of over fifty thousand residents who remained steadfast in their villages and towns in the south despite bombardment and danger, recognizing that resilience requires protection, care, and life necessities.

Salam addressed the displaced population, reaffirming that their safe and dignified return to their lands is a core responsibility and priority. He described their tragedy as Lebanon’s tragedy.

He also saluted the people of the south for their steadfastness against displacement efforts, emphasizing that the south will remain Lebanese. He assured them that the state remains their primary refuge and that its sovereignty is a daily commitment to its citizens, not just a slogan.

On the diplomatic front, Salam stated that Lebanon spared no effort alongside regional brothers and international friends to halt the war, protect Lebanon, and uphold its sovereignty. Lebanon chose negotiation as the least costly and quickest path to securing an Israeli withdrawal and enabling displaced people to return home.

Thanks to Lebanese state efforts, Arab support, and American understanding, a ceasefire agreement was reached. However, Lebanese citizens were surprised that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was the first to reject the ceasefire before any other party. Salam highlighted this as confirmation that the war is not Lebanon’s and is being fought on Lebanese soil at the expense of its people.

He stressed that the south and its inhabitants are once again paying the price for a decision they did not make and a war that is not theirs. Salam addressed Iran directly, urging it to spare southern Lebanon and cease treating it and its people as mere bargaining chips in negotiations. He affirmed that Lebanon refuses to become a mailbox for others’ messages or a battlefield for their wars, stating that Lebanon is not a card on anyone’s table, nor is the south a reserve front for anyone.

Salam then addressed the broader audience, stating that rejecting the ceasefire clearly means the war and the resulting humanitarian crisis continue and deepen daily. He said Lebanon cannot be content with merely describing the tragedy, counting victims, or waiting for the fighting to stop on its own.

He delivered two main messages: first, to all Lebanese, calling for reason and prioritizing Lebanon’s and its people’s interests above all else. He insisted Lebanon must not remain a battleground for others’ wars, nor should the south bear the cost of decisions beyond its control. He emphasized that no war should be fought in Lebanon’s name without its consent, and no decisions about war or peace should be made outside the Lebanese state.

Second, Salam called on ambassadors and representatives of international organizations to pressure Israel to halt attacks on civilians and stop destroying the towns of Jabal Amel, including the demolition of homes and villages from Tyre to Bint Jbeil and Nabatieh. He condemned this policy of collective punishment, which violates all international laws and conscience worldwide, and which the people of southern Lebanon endure daily. He asserted that such actions do not create security but generate more pain, anger, and destruction, undermining any chance of stability.

Salam clarified that the people of the south are not a party to the Iran-America conflict; they are inhabitants of the land entitled to live in safety and dignity like all peoples.

He noted that what is being destroyed is not only Lebanon’s property but also a heritage of humanity, citing Tyre’s inclusion on the World Heritage List and the historic Shqif Castle as symbols extending beyond southern Lebanon.

As long as the war persists, the humanitarian crisis worsens. Many displaced persons will not be able to return soon to cities and villages that have been completely destroyed. The broader the destruction, the harder the return becomes.

Salam said negotiations continue but stressed that negotiation alone is insufficient while fighting persists. He called for comprehensive action to pressure for a ceasefire, protect civilians, their homes, and livelihoods, and support the Lebanese state’s capacity to respond to the humanitarian needs imposed by a war that is not Lebanon’s.

He concluded with a direct appeal to stand with the Lebanese people and support the second humanitarian appeal, noting the widening gap between needs and resources. He emphasized that those in shelters and resilient villages cannot endure further delay.

Salam expressed appreciation for the support Lebanon received during the first appeal but noted that the scale of the tragedy and the cost of response have increased, with needs now requiring more sustainable solutions.

He stressed the urgent need for renewed solidarity and thanked the audience for their continued support, expressing confidence that they would remain partners in preserving hope for the Lebanese people rather than mere witnesses to their suffering.