Lebanese officials, parties condemn Israeli aggression on Beirut

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
6 Jun 2025 00:49
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Lebanese officials and political leaders united in condemning the latest Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburb, denouncing them as violations of sovereignty and international law amid Eid al-Adha.

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Flames and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike on the Southern Suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, on June 5, 2025. (AP)

Lebanese political leaders have sharply condemned the latest Israeli airstrikes on the Southern Suburb of Beirut, denouncing the attacks as a blatant violation of international law and national sovereignty. The strikes, carried out amid heightened regional tensions and on the eve of Eid al-Adha, targeted buildings in densely populated areas.

According to a Lebanese security source who spoke to Al Mayadeen, the Lebanese Army, in coordination with the United Nations’ ceasefire monitoring committee, had entered the buildings targeted by Israeli fighter jets to inspect them.

However, the source said, “As the army began its inspection, the occupation launched warning strikes, forcing the troops to withdraw.”

The source added that the Israeli military disregarded the coordinated efforts and "initiated its aggression on Beirut’s southern suburb without any regard for the mechanisms in place under UN oversight."

Additionally, MP Ali Hassan Khalil told Al Mayadeen, "The Lebanese Army moved with the approval of all local factions to inspect the targeted buildings, yet the enemy insisted on striking them."

Lebanese officials condemn violation of sovereignty

President Aoun: Aggression is a clear message to the US

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun issued a firm condemnation of the strikes, calling them a “flagrant breach of an international agreement” and “undeniable proof of Israel’s refusal to respect the requirements of stability and just peace.”

In pointed remarks, he added, “This aggression sends a clear message to the United States and its initiatives, delivered through Beirut’s mail slot and the blood of its innocent civilians.”

PM Salam: Agrression is a blatant violation of 1701

On his part, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the repeated and deliberate targeting of civilian areas.

“These attacks are a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and of UN Resolution 1701,” said Salam, demanding that the international community “assume its responsibility in restraining Israel and forcing a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory.”

Parliament Speaker Berri: Israeli aggression must unite Lebanese

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri echoed the widespread outrage, fully aligning with President Aoun’s position. He stressed that the response to Israeli aggression “must unite all Lebanese, as this assault is not against a specific sect or region, but targets all of Lebanon, and even Arabs and Muslims in their holiest sanctities.”

"Our positions must be unifying for all Lebanese in confronting the Israeli aggressiveness, which does not target a specific sect or region, but rather all of Lebanon and the Lebanese, and even Arabs and Muslims in their holiest sanctities," Berri emphasized.

“Every Eid, we are called to sacrifice in defense of our sovereignty,” Berri added. “This aggression will not rob us of our holidays or our resolve.”

Wide condemnation from officials, parties

Raed Berro, an MP with Hezbollah’s Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, told Al Mayadeen, “The Israeli occupation seeks to strip Lebanon of its strength through its continued aggression.”

Visiting the site of the strikes, Berro emphasized defiance: “We are only meters away from where the missiles hit. We are not afraid and will celebrate Eid al-Adha tomorrow.”

Lebanon’s Minister of Labor, Mohammad Haidar, also slammed "Israel’s" justification as “flimsy,” asserting that the true aim was to “destabilize Lebanon during a religious holiday and crush public morale.”

The Free Patriotic Movement described the strikes as the “height of barbarity” and demanded that international sponsors of peace agreements “should now act to restrain Israel and compel it to halt its violations and withdraw from Lebanese territory.”