Lebanon “dragged into abyss”, PM warns of looming humanitarian catastrophe

Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has warned that his country is being “dragged further into the abyss” and drawn into a conflict it “did not seek and did not choose.” 

Speaking at a meeting with Arab and international ambassadors, Salam emphasized the urgent need to halt the escalating violence, The Guardian reports.

“Lebanon faces a dangerous and trying moment. Our country has been drawn into a devastating war that we did not seek and did not choose. It was a war imposed upon us. The priority of the Lebanese government is to stop this war. Our duty is to protect our country and our people. Today, Lebanon is dragged further into an abyss. Its descent into further violence and chaos has to stop. We continue to call for unity and responsibility,” he said.

Salam also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, noting widespread displacement.

“I am sure you have seen how massive the forced displacement is of Lebanese citizens from the south of Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The situation is grave, and our responsibility is high. The consequences of this displacement, at the humanitarian and political level, may well be unprecedented. A humanitarian disaster is looming,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva