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Lebanese minister says plan in place for any potential Israeli step

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
21 Oct 2024 00:29

Minister of Agriculture, Abbas Hajj Hassan, speaks to Al Mayadeen about the latest diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

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Lebanese Agricultre Minister, Abbas Hajj Hassan, speaks to Al Mayadeen on October 20, 2024. (Al Mayadeen)

The Lebanese government continues to demand that the Israeli government agrees to a ceasefire, Abbas Hajj Hassan, the caretaker Minister of Agriculture, told Al Mayadeen.

During an interview, Hajj Hassan said that Lebanese authorities have clarified to all diplomatic delegations that Lebanon wants the Israeli occupation entity to agree to a ceasefire that would end the aggression.

He highlighted that the Lebanese government's stance is "clear," pointing to hurdles placed by the Israeli government on a possible deal.

"Israel is trying to drown the region in a boundless volcano of fire," he underlined, saying that "the battlefield will facilitate the diplomatic negotiation process."

Hajj Hassan discussed France's diplomatic efforts in this regard, asserting that it can be "relied upon."

Furthermore he said that a conference to support Lebanon will soon take place, as the French and Lebanese positions on the ongoing aggression "converge."

The minister noted that "the majority of Lebanese stand by their right to defend their land," adding that "patience during this phase is necessary."

He said that aid corridors offered to Lebanon "are a good thing," however they are not enough, due to the large number of Lebanese people dispalced from various regions, a number that has exceeded 1.3 million people.

"Food security in Lebanon is currently intact," he added, while expressing concern about "the possibility of the Israeli enemy imposing a blockade [on Lebanon], and thus we have put a plan in place for this matter."

Macron calls for ceasefire

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with the Iraqi prime minister and the Lebanese Parliament speaker regarding the evolving situation in the Middle East.

In a phone conversation, Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani voiced serious concerns over the escalating tensions in the region, according to a statement from the French presidency on Saturday.

Both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to preventing further escalation in the Middle East. Macron also expressed solidarity with civilians affected by the ongoing Israeli attacks and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Israeli war on Gaza has so far killed more than 42,000 Palestinians since October 7 of last year, while in Lebanon, Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,200 people since September 23.

Separately, Macron spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, expressing grave concern over the intensity of "Israel's" strikes on Lebanon and their "dramatic" impact on civilians.

He emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and reaffirmed France's unwavering commitment to the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, in accordance with UN Resolution 1701.