Mikati urges Lebanese ‘to show wisdom and calm during critical time’

Mikati urges Lebanese ‘to show wisdom and calm during critical time’
This handout picture provided by the Lebanese Prime Minister's press office shows Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing a ministerial meeting in the Benoit Barakat barracks in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on December 7, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 08 December 2024
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Mikati urges Lebanese ‘to show wisdom and calm during critical time’

Mikati urges Lebanese ‘to show wisdom and calm during critical time’
  • Prime minister stresses need to tighten border control in talks with army commander, security chiefs

BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed the need to tighten control over the border and distance Lebanon from the repercussions of the developments in Syria on Sunday.

Mikati discussed the situation at the Syrian border in a call with Gen. Joseph Aoun, head of the Armed Forces, and other security chiefs.

Lebanon currently hosts around 2 million Syrians, while more than 800,000 are registered with the UN. Many fled Syria after its civil war began in 2011.

Mikati called on the “Lebanese people, of all affiliations, to show wisdom and avoid provocations, especially at this critical time for our country.”

He urged communication with the National Commission for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared in Lebanon and the committee addressing the issue of Lebanese detainees in Syria.

He requested the use of all available resources to contact the relevant parties for the release of hundreds of prisoners in Syrian prisons.

Recent developments in Syria, including the opening of prisons by opposition factions and the release of all detainees, along with videos on social media showing alleged Lebanese prisoners previously considered missing, have sparked widespread anger in Lebanon.

On Sunday, Lebanese citizen Marwan Nouh, who had been imprisoned in Syria, returned to Arsal, Lebanon.

The president of the Committee of Families of the Kidnapped and Disappeared in Lebanon, Wadad Halwani, called on Lebanese authorities to follow up on this issue, especially since Syrian officials had long denied the presence of Lebanese prisoners in Syrian prisons.

In Tripoli, Sidon, and parts of Beirut, people celebrated the fall of the Syrian regime.

The Lebanese Army Command took security measures “to prevent any threat to civil peace.”

Social media activists circulated a video showing a group of Lebanese youth storming the Arab socialist Baath party’s office in Akkar, northern Lebanon, and removing posters of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

Also on Sunday, many pro-regime Syrian families, along with Lebanese families who had been living in Syria, namely in Rablah and surrounding villages, entered Lebanon.

Hezbollah in Bekaa sent out a message urging the residents of the pro-Hezbollah Baalbek-Hermel region to welcome them.
Amid these developments, an Israeli airstrike hit the eastern ridge between Qoussaya and Anjar.

Early on Sunday, hundreds of Syrians gathered at Masnaa Border Crossing with Syria, waiting for the Lebanese General Security’s to open it.

Many more closely followed the rapid military developments in their homeland through television and social media.

Around 400,000 Syrians returned home from Lebanon during the Israeli assault on southern Lebanon, which lasted for 64 days.

In Arsal, a border town in eastern Lebanon whose terrain overlaps with Syria and includes the most significant number of Syrian refugee camps, people emerged from their tents at dawn and began chanting enthusiastic slogans.

One camp official, Abu Mohammed, told Arab News that people had not slept.

“We toured these camps in the Qalamoun region, Qusayr, and its countryside. All the people want to return, but we look forward to an orderly exit from Lebanon.”

He said that the refugee committees submitted a request to the relevant authorities in Lebanon to inquire about the procedures for return.

“We have been informed that those wishing to leave Lebanon may do so only once without possibly returning.

“Departure can occur through Al-Zamrani crossing on the outskirts of Arsal, a natural geographical passage and not an official crossing, or via Al-Matraba crossing in Hermel, an unofficial route.

“The former leads refugees to Qalamoun, while the latter directs them to Qusayr.”

The General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon said it would provide all necessary facilities to return Syrians to Lebanon.

It noted that the repeated Israeli assaults on the land border crossings, particularly in the north, have led to the closure of these crossings until further notice to ensure the safety of travelers and entrants.

Consequently, Masnaa Border Crossing remains open for the place of entry and exit, especially for Syrian nationals, under the previously issued temporary exceptional measures and instructions.

As of Sunday afternoon, around 1,500 Syrians crossed from Lebanon into Syria at Masnaa Border Crossing.

Conversely, the crossing experienced a significant influx of Syrians entering Lebanon, either to utilize Beirut Airport for travel or due to having residency permits or sponsors under the procedures established by Lebanon.

The Military Operations Management in Syria confirmed the withdrawal of Hezbollah from Al-Qusayr and Homs towards Lebanon.

The Lebanese Armed Forces announced the deployment of reinforcements to the Lebanese border north of the town of Al-Qaa following reports of the evacuation of Syrian security and customs personnel from their positions.

Dalal Harb, the spokesperson and Communications Officer for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, told Arab News about the measures UNHCR can implement to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Syria.

She said it is aware of reports of Syrians returning from Lebanon, with some movements reported through Masnaa crossing in Bekaa.

According to the Lebanese General Security Office, measures have been announced to facilitate returns to Syria.

Harb said: “We closely monitor these developments and remain in contact with the relevant authorities. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”


Israeli forces start withdrawing from areas in Gaza’s Rafah to corridor along Egypt-Gaza border, pro-Hamas media says

Israeli soldiers move along the Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt, in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Israeli soldiers move along the Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt, in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Updated 58 min 36 sec ago
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Israeli forces start withdrawing from areas in Gaza’s Rafah to corridor along Egypt-Gaza border, pro-Hamas media says

Israeli soldiers move along the Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt, in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
  • Netanyahu earlier warned that a ceasefire wouldn’t go forward unless Israel received the names of hostages to be released, as agreed

CAIRO: Israeli forces started withdrawing from areas in Gaza’s Rafah to the Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza, pro-Hamas media reported early on Sunday.

 


Houthis warn of ‘consequences’ for any attacks on Yemen during Gaza ceasefire

This picture taken on March 7, 2024 shows the Rubymar cargo ship partly submerged off the coast of Yemen. (AFP)
This picture taken on March 7, 2024 shows the Rubymar cargo ship partly submerged off the coast of Yemen. (AFP)
Updated 19 January 2025
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Houthis warn of ‘consequences’ for any attacks on Yemen during Gaza ceasefire

This picture taken on March 7, 2024 shows the Rubymar cargo ship partly submerged off the coast of Yemen. (AFP)
  • An initial 42-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war is scheduled to begin at 0630 GMT Sunday
  • “The American aircraft carrier was forced to leave the theater of operations,” the rebels’ statement said

SANAA: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed an attack on an American aircraft carrier on Sunday and warned of “consequences” for any retaliation during the coming Gaza ceasefire.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces warn the enemy forces in the Red Sea of the consequences of any aggression against our country during the ceasefire period in Gaza,” the rebels said in a statement.
“They will confront any aggression with specific military operations against those forces without a ceiling or red lines.”
An initial 42-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war is scheduled to begin at 0630 GMT Sunday.
The Houthis, who have attacked shipping in the Red Sea throughout the war in Gaza, said they targeted the USS Harry S. Truman and other “warships” with drones and cruise missiles.
“The American aircraft carrier was forced to leave the theater of operations,” the rebels’ statement said.
Part of Iran’s “axis of resistance,” the Houthis have repeatedly launched missile and drone attacks on Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians.
They have also waged a harassment campaign against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, severely disrupting trade routes.
On Friday, the Yemeni rebels warned they would keep up their attacks if Israel did not respect the terms of the ceasefire with Hamas.
 

 


Hope and tears as youngest Israeli hostage turns two

Hope and tears as youngest Israeli hostage turns two
Updated 19 January 2025
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Hope and tears as youngest Israeli hostage turns two

Hope and tears as youngest Israeli hostage turns two
  • “Today, I tried to write a birthday message for Kfir for the second time,” his aunt Ofri Bibas Levy said
  • Hamas said in November 2023 that the two boys and their mother were killed in an Israeli air strike, but the Israeli military has not confirmed their deaths

TEL AVIV: Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to demand freedom for hostages held in Gaza, anxious the ceasefire deal would collapse, with many dwelling on the fate of Kfir Bibas, the youngest captive whose second birthday fell on Saturday.
“Today, I tried to write a birthday message for Kfir for the second time,” his aunt Ofri Bibas Levy said. “A message for a child who cannot celebrate... A child trapped in hell. A child who might not even be alive. But no words come out, only tears.”
Taken alongside his now four-year-old brother Ariel and his mother and father, Shiri and Yarden, he has become a symbol of the suffering of the hostages.
“I have two orange ballons on my car,” said Sigal Kirsch in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square.” The color has become symbolic of the Bibas boys, both of whom are red-heads.
“I don’t have the words,” she said, visibly overcome with emotion.
Hamas said in November 2023 that the two boys and their mother were killed in an Israeli air strike, but the Israeli military has not confirmed their deaths.
Coming together to protest barely 12 hours before the first three hostages are due to be released, many couldn’t bring themselves to believe after so much false hope that the ordeal of the hostages might finally be over.
“Once they cross the (Gaza) border and they will be rejoined with their families then maybe we can breathe again,” said Shahar Mor Zahiro, the nephew of slain hostage Avraham Munder.
Anxiety was the overwhelming mood.
“This past week was hell,” said Kirsch, who had been every week to the gatherings at Hostage Square, across the road from Israeli military headquarters.
“On Tuesday we were sure that the deal would be signed... and it took until last night. So we’re very, very anxious,” she said.
The deal agreed between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, via mediators, is broken into three phases.
But, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under pressure from far-right elements of his government opposed to a ceasefire, protesters and families of the hostages expressed fears that the deal would collapse.
“In one sense (the mood) is a little more hopeful, and in another sense, it’s very sad. Because for the people who aren’t in the first phase, I can’t imagine how their hearts bleed at this point,” said Neil Trubowiz, 75, from Tel Aviv, in Hostage Square.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who opposed the deal, said he would remain in the government but that the prime minister had promised him the war would continue.
Mor Zahiro demanded that what he called “extremist elements” in the cabinet be prevented from collapsing the deal.
“Tell them to shut up!” he said. “Let the people come back to their loved ones.”
He denounced the idea that the war could start again. “Stop the fighting. Stop the war. Stop everything. Don’t shoot another bullet, let us heal. This is really crucial, otherwise there will be hell here for the next 50 years.”
On Saturday night, Netanyahu gave protesters and hostage families further cause for anxiety, saying the ceasefire deal could not go ahead until Hamas handed over a list of hostages to be released.
He also said in a televised address that Israel “reserved the right to return to war.”
Palestinian militants took 251 people hostage during Hamas’s surprise October 7 attack, 94 of whom remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
The lengthy ceasefire process, with the first 33 hostages released in small groups over 42 days, followed by a second and third phase that are still to be negotiated, leaves multiple opportunities for the process to collapse.
“We’re anticipating some good news tomorrow, but on the other hand, we’re very wary of what could happen in the meantime,” said Guy Perry, 58, also from Tel Aviv.
He described the possibility of a final end to the war and the return of all hostages as a “very, very dim light” at the end of the tunnel.
Despite their fears the deal could collapse at any moment, many couldn’t help but hope.
“I cannot wait to see my uncle, I really hope he managed to survive,” said Efrat Machikawa, whose uncle Gadi Moses turned 80 while held hostage in Gaza.
“I have to trust my hope. This has to happen, they have to come back.”


What we know about the Gaza hostage and prisoner exchange

What we know about the Gaza hostage and prisoner exchange
Updated 19 January 2025
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What we know about the Gaza hostage and prisoner exchange

What we know about the Gaza hostage and prisoner exchange
  • Israel’s Justice Ministry published their details early on Saturday, along with the ceasefire agreement, which said 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for each female hostage on Sunday

JERUSALEM: The ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas is due to take effect from 8.30 a.m. (0630 GMT) on Sunday, following final approval of the deal by the Israeli government.
Thirty-three of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages, including women, children, men over 50 and ill and wounded captives, are to be freed over the course of the first phase of the ceasefire, due to last six weeks. Israel believes most are still alive but has received no confirmation from Hamas.
In return, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinians from its jails.
They include 737 male, female and teen-aged prisoners, some of whom are members of militant groups convicted of attacks that killed dozens of Israelis, as well as of 1,167 Palestinians detained in Gaza since the start of the war and held in Israel.
Israel’s Justice Ministry published their details early on Saturday, along with the ceasefire agreement, which said 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for each female hostage on Sunday.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, the Israeli army will pull back from some of its positions in Gaza and Palestinians displaced from areas in northern Gaza will be allowed to return.
A second phase, exchanging the remaining hostages and completing the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza is expected to follow, depending on the results of negotiations, which will begin 16 days from the start of the ceasefire.

HOSTAGE AND PRISONER HANDOVER
On Sunday after 4 p.m. (1400 GMT), Israel will hand over 95 Palestinian prisoners and will receive three hostages in exchange. The prisoners to be released on the first day of the ceasefire do not include any prominent detainees, and many were recently detained and not tried or convicted.
The identity of the three hostages to be handed over is not yet known. The military says it will publish the names once they have received the hostages.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THEY ARE HANDED OVER?
The hostages will be handed by Hamas to Red Cross officials who will take them to the Israeli military in Gaza. The military has set up three locations near the northern, central and southern edges of Gaza in Erez, Re’im and Kerem Shalom to take charge of the hostages, according to the route they take out.
The hostages will be met there by medical staff, welfare specialists and psychologists to help with the initial transition before they are reunited with their families.
They will be taken by vehicle or helicopter to specialized facilities set up to receive them and help them adjust to returning from the trauma of 15 months in captivity. They will be kept away from the press and will receive medical and psychological support.

 

 


Hundreds rally in Tunisia to demand release of Saied critic

Hundreds rally in Tunisia to demand release of Saied critic
Updated 19 January 2025
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Hundreds rally in Tunisia to demand release of Saied critic

Hundreds rally in Tunisia to demand release of Saied critic
  • Moussi, who had hoped to run in last year’s presidential election, stands accused of charges including “seeking to change the form of the state”

TUNIS: Hundreds demonstrated in the Tunisian capital on Saturday calling for the release of Abir Moussi, a critic of President Kais Saied jailed for more than a year.
The demonstrators shouted “freedom for Abir” and “we are opponents, not traitors” at the gathering in central Tunis, AFP journalists reported.
Moussi, 49, heads the Free Destourian Party, which critics accuse of seeking to restore the iron-fisted rule that Tunisians overthrew in the Arab Spring protests of 2011.
She has been in custody since her arrest in October 2023 outside the presidential palace where her party says she was seeking to lodge appeals against Saied’s decrees.
Moussi, who had hoped to run in last year’s presidential election, stands accused of charges including “seeking to change the form of the state.”
Saied was elected in 2019 but launched a sweeping power grab in 2021 and has since effectively ruled by decree.
In October, he was re-elected in a landslide after his main opponents were jailed.
Moussi was sentenced to 16 months in prison in November on charges of spreading “false news” after she criticized the electoral authority.
A leading figure in her party, Thameur Saad, said on Saturday that her conviction “is not worthy of a country that calls itself democratic.”