Clashes on Lebanese-Syrian border prompt military intervention

Syrian troops sit atop a military vehicle as they head toward Syrian-Lebanese border following clashes with Lebanese soldiers and armed groups, in Qusayr, Syria, March 17, 2025. (Reuters)
Syrian troops sit atop a military vehicle as they head toward Syrian-Lebanese border following clashes with Lebanese soldiers and armed groups, in Qusayr, Syria, March 17, 2025. (Reuters)
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Updated 17 March 2025
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Clashes on Lebanese-Syrian border prompt military intervention

Clashes on Lebanese-Syrian border prompt military intervention
  • Syrian forces exchange fire with Hezbollah-linked fighters in Hermel area
  • New Lebanese Army chief reiterates need to implement UN Resolution 1701, nullify ‘internal terror threat’

BEIRUT: Security along the Lebanese-Syrian border in the Hermel area deteriorated on Monday following violent clashes between Syrian soldiers and Hezbollah-affiliated fighters.

The violence began on Sunday, with the Lebanese Army Command announcing the same day that military units implemented “exceptional security measures following the killing of two Syrians and the serious injury of another, who later succumbed to his wounds at the Lebanese-Syrian border near Al-Qasr-Hermel area.”

According to the SANA news agency, the media office of the Syrian Defense Ministry said a group affiliated with Hezbollah abducted three Syrian soldiers near the border close to the Seta dam, west of Homs.

They were taken to Lebanese territory and subsequently executed, the ministry statement added.

Lebanese authorities confirmed three bodies had been transferred to Syria via the Lebanese Red Cross.

Yassin Shams, from Hermel, told Arab News that the incident began as a dispute among smugglers.

“The area where these events take place is geographically intertwined between Lebanon and Syria, with each clan controlling a crossing point for smuggling activities,” he said.

“The crossings consist of sheets of metal placed over the streams to facilitate passage from Lebanese territory to Syrian territory and vice versa.”

Shams said that the situation escalated following the discovery of the three Syrians.

Initially believed to have gotten lost, it was later claimed that a Lebanese man from the Medlej family had killed them. The Lebanese Armed Forces subsequently arrested the suspect.

On Monday morning, Hermel awoke to the news that two brothers from the Medlej family had been found dead after being detained by Syrian security forces.

Their bodies were discovered in their home in Fadiliya Sad Matraba, near the Lebanese-Syrian border.

Later on Monday, the area witnessed shelling and gunfire.

The Lebanese Army Command said several Lebanese villages and towns were subjected to shelling from Syrian territory, and that the Lebanese Armed Forces retaliated, and took steps to maintain security in the area.

SANA, meanwhile, reported that “a cameraman and a journalist were injured on the Syrian-Lebanese border near Zita Dam after being targeted by a Hezbollah-guided missile.”

The injured reporter, during a live broadcast, claimed that a Kornet missile targeted the TV team’s location.

The Syrian Ministry of Information condemned “the direct targeting of a group of journalists and reporters while they were covering the events near the Lebanese-Syrian border with guided missiles launched by Hezbollah, following the kidnapping and killing of three Syrian soldiers the day before.

“The attack represents a clear violation of international laws and norms that protect journalists on duty. We urge the Lebanese state to take responsibility and hold the perpetrators accountable,” the ministry added.

Meanwhile, a Lebanese security report indicated that the shelling of Lebanese territory resulted in the death of a Lebanese girl after two shells landed in Al-Qasr, a town north of Hermel.

The shells originated from the Qusayr countryside in Syria, the report said.

Syrian media outlets reported that the clashes led to the death of a Syrian soldier and injuries to others after a guided missile struck their military base.

Two more Syrian soldiers were killed in a similar attack near Seta.

The Syrian military has brought reinforcements to the border while reconnaissance aircraft continue to conduct intensive surveillance of the area.

The Lebanese Armed Forces said communications with relevant counterparts in Syria remain ongoing in order to ensure stability in the border region.

The Syrian Defense Ministry said it will implement all necessary measures following the violence.

“Hezbollah has violated our borders, and we will respond to any incursions,” Al-Arabiya quoted the Syrian Army operations commander on the Lebanese border as saying.

“Border points have been secured, and we are coordinating with the Lebanese Army to control the border.”

In response, Hezbollah issued a statement denying any involvement in the ongoing clashes, asserting that it has no connection to any developments on Syrian territory.

Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi commented on the developments, expressing regret over the escalation and emphasizing the need for cooperation.

Elsewhere on Monday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a van in the town of Yahmar Al-Shaqif in the Nabatieh district, with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health saying that “the strike resulted in one death and three injuries.”

The Israeli military said it targeted two Hezbollah members who were acting as observers and directing terrorist activities.

On Monday night an Israeli motorized force carried out an incursion into the town of Aita Al-Shaab and the areas surrounding Khallet Wardeh and Hadab Aita.

Meanwhile, in his directives upon his assumption of command, the new Lebanese Army commander, Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, emphasized that “the Army’s responsibility at this critical period is of utmost importance.”

He said the Army “works to implement UN Resolution 1701 in cooperation with the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon, in addition to fortifying our internal front against the threat of terrorism.”

 

 


Israeli PM says to return hostages without giving in to ‘Hamas dictates’

Israeli PM says to return hostages without giving in to ‘Hamas dictates’
Updated 19 April 2025
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Israeli PM says to return hostages without giving in to ‘Hamas dictates’

Israeli PM says to return hostages without giving in to ‘Hamas dictates’
  • “I believe we can bring our hostages home without surrendering to Hamas’s dictates,” Netanyahu said
  • “We are at a critical stage of the campaign, and at this point, we need patience”

JERUSALEM: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Saturday to bring home the remaining hostages in Gaza without yielding to Hamas’ demands, insisting the military campaign in the Palestinian territory had reached a “critical stage.”
“I believe we can bring our hostages home without surrendering to Hamas’s dictates,” Netanyahu said, in his first comments since Hamas, seeking a permanent end to the Gaza war, rejected a new truce proposal from Israel.
“We are at a critical stage of the campaign, and at this point, we need patience and determination to win.”
The remarks drew a swift rebuttal from an Israeli campaign group representing the hostages’ families, which accused Netanyahu of having “no plan” for securing the captives’ freedom.
“There is one clear, feasible, and urgent solution that can be achieved now: reach a deal that will bring everyone home — even if it means stopping the fighting,” Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.
Netanyahu, however, insisted that ending the war now would embolden the country’s enemies.
“Ending the war under these surrender conditions would send a message to all of Israel’s enemies: that abducting Israelis can bring Israel to its knees. It would prove that terrorism pays — and that message would endanger the entire free world,” he said.
Hamas, Netanyahu said, was “demanding the end of the war and the continuation of its rule,” as well as a full Israeli withdrawal, “which would enable Hamas to rearm and plan more attacks against us.”
“If we commit to ending the war, we will not be able to resume fighting in Gaza,” he said.
“So I ask you — did our soldiers fight in vain? Did our heroes fall and suffer for nothing?“


Jordan participates in Palestine reconstruction forum in Istanbul

Jordan participates in Palestine reconstruction forum in Istanbul
Updated 19 April 2025
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Jordan participates in Palestine reconstruction forum in Istanbul

Jordan participates in Palestine reconstruction forum in Istanbul
  • A full inventory of tools and equipment earmarked for debris removal and rebuilding has already been submitted

AMMAN: Jordan has joined regional and international efforts to support the reconstruction of Palestine, taking part in the Arab International Commission for the Reconstruction of Palestine Forum, which opened Friday in Istanbul under the theme “From the Rubble We Build Hope.”

The Jordanian Contractors Association participated in the forum’s activities under the auspices of the Higher Committee for Reconstruction in Palestine, represented by its President Fouad Duwairi and Vice President Marouf Ghananim, the Jordan News Agency reported.

In his address, Duwairi outlined the association’s efforts to assist reconstruction efforts in Palestine and Gaza, highlighting the donations made by Jordanian contractors in recent months.

He also shared technical studies conducted by the association, aimed at supporting rebuilding initiatives.

Duwairi reaffirmed the JCA’s commitment to aiding the Palestinian people, noting that Jordanian contractors have donated machinery and construction equipment for reconstruction efforts.

A full inventory of tools and equipment earmarked for debris removal and rebuilding has already been submitted.

He explained that clearing the debris and recycling materials in Gaza is expected to take approximately a year once the enclave is divided into operational zones, stressing that Jordanian contractors were fully prepared to engage in the reconstruction process.

The JCA, Duwairi added, has participated in several international conferences to explore innovative methods for recycling construction materials for use in Gaza’s rebuilding.

Coordination continues with Jordanian contractors to secure the necessary machinery and construction supplies in collaboration with the Higher Committee for Reconstruction.

In recognition of their contributions, the Arab International Authority for the Reconstruction of Palestine honored Duwairi and the JCA for their significant role in supporting reconstruction initiatives.


Gaza aid delivery focus of talks in Turkiye

Gaza aid delivery focus of talks in Turkiye
Updated 29 sec ago
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Gaza aid delivery focus of talks in Turkiye

Gaza aid delivery focus of talks in Turkiye
  • Kalin reassured them of Turkiye’s ongoing support and said Ankara would firmly oppose any new efforts to occupy or annex further Palestinian territory

ISTANBUL: Turkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met with Hamas leaders on Saturday for talks about how to deliver aid to war-ravaged Gaza where Israel resumed its military offensive last month.
Kalin held talks with Mohammed Darwish, head of the political council of Hamas, which rules Gaza, and his delegation, Turkiye’s Anadolu state news agency reported, without saying where the meeting took place. Media reports said it was in Turkiye.
As well as discussing ways to deliver humanitarian aid, they also spoke of initiatives to secure a permanent ceasefire along with ways to counter Israeli plans to displace Gaza’s population forcibly, Anadolu said, citing security sources.
Kalin reassured them of Turkiye’s ongoing support and said Ankara would firmly oppose any new efforts to occupy or annex further Palestinian territory.
After 18 months of devastating war and an Israeli aid blockade since March 2, the UN has said Gaza is facing its most severe humanitarian crisis since the war began in October 2023, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel.
Hamas on Thursday accused Israel of using “starvation as a weapon” by blocking aid supplies.
But Israel has vowed to keep blocking humanitarian aid, saying it is the only way to force Hamas to release the 58 hostages still held there.

 


Lebanese leaders criticize Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm

Lebanese leaders criticize Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm
Updated 19 April 2025
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Lebanese leaders criticize Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm

Lebanese leaders criticize Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm
  • ‘Those who use threats must first stop the tragedies,’ says Lebanese Forces leader

BEIRUT: The Lebanese army on Saturday continued to detonate munitions left over from the Israeli war in southern Lebanon, as well as confiscating ordnance in the area south of the Litani River.

Explosions were heard across southern Lebanon, accompanied by reconnaissance flights from Lebanese army Cessna aircraft south of the Litani River.

During the most recent cabinet session, Army Commander Gen. Rudolph Haykal confirmed that it was no longer possible to cross the Litani River from north to south without passing through Lebanese Army checkpoints. The commander also reviewed the seizure and confiscation of equipment, weapons, and ammunition, presenting statistics from more than 5,000 missions.

In a statement earlier this week, President Joseph Aoun announced that weapons would be brought under state control this year. However, campaigns by Hezbollah officials threaten to disrupt the path outlined by President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to achieve this end. On Saturday, several Lebanese politicians came out against Hezbollah’s attempt to retain its weapons.

The Hezbollah leaders have not learned from the lessons of the catastrophe caused by their party.

Ashraf Rifi, MP and former justice minister

“The remaining Hezbollah leaders have not learned from the lessons of the catastrophe caused by their party,” said MP and former Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, claiming that Hezbollah was being “reckless” and holding on to weapons “in support of Tehran, which is negotiating with the US at the expense of the Lebanese.”

He added: “These people appear to have lost essential wisdom and reasoning skills. Sooner or later, the weapons will be surrendered and dismantled; history does not move backward.”

Rifi’s comments followed a series of statements from Hezbollah in recent days, in which the group rejected the notion of surrendering its weapons to the state. They issued a threat to “cut off the hand” of anyone who tried to disarm them.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said on Friday: “Remove this issue from your vocabulary, as no one will disarm us.”

He added that an Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction efforts must come before any discussions of a defense strategy.

Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani endorsed Hezbollah’s stance, stating on Saturday that “the disarmament project is a clear plot against countries,” and warning against “falling into Israel’s trap.”

The Iranian diplomat posted on X: “While the US supplies the Israeli regime with the latest weapons and missiles, it simultaneously prevents other countries from strengthening and arming their militaries. Using various pretexts, it pressures them to reduce or destroy their arsenals.”

He added that when countries agree to disarmament demands, they become vulnerable to attacks and occupations, citing Iraq, Libya, and Syria as examples.

Amani stressed that Iran was aware of the dangers posed by “this conspiracy and its threat to regional nations’ security.”

He said: “We warn others not to fall into Israel’s trap, as maintaining deterrence is the first line of defense for sovereignty and independence, and it should not be put at risk.”

Hezbollah’s position has drawn widespread criticism, however. MP Paula Yacoubian characterized it as a strategy to enhance Iran’s negotiation position with the US, and said Lebanon was being used as a bargaining chip.

“Iran, which has poured billions into Hezbollah, now seeks greater returns,” she said. “To preserve the regime, it is time to make concessions, and the party must stop repeating outdated rhetoric while reclaiming its Lebanese identity.”

Former President Michel Suleiman said in a statement: "No to threats of cutting off hands. No to hints of civil war. No to discussions about the army's weaknesses. No to claims regarding the strength of the resistance. No to the idea of keeping weapons in the south, the mountains, the Bekaa, the north, or Beirut in the hands of anyone other than the state.

"Why is this important? Because if the state does not control weapons, then the state and its institutions will not survive.

"Consequently, the economy will not prosper, and we will not restore our friendship with our sister state or the international community."

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stated that “resorting to threats, especially regarding severing hands, has no place in a democratic state or a country seeking civil peace.”

He urged those using such rhetoric to stop, as their actions have already caused “significant harm and damage to Lebanon and its people,” adding that they should step aside and “allow the new leadership to guide the country out of the tragedy” they have created.

Geagea also urged Hezbollah to focus on “rebuilding an effective state capable of restoring dignity, pride, and a decent life for the Lebanese people, and take the initiative to facilitate reconstruction efforts.”

A political source told Arab News that Hezbollah’s rejection of disarmament, most recently expressed by Naim Qassem, aimed to preserve internal balance and boost morale within the party.

“Meanwhile, the Iranian position indicates that Iran is trying to control Hezbollah. There may also be another explanation: they may be seeking to gain time,” said the source.

 


Gazans resort to turtle meat in hunt for food

Gazans resort to turtle meat in hunt for food
Updated 19 April 2025
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Gazans resort to turtle meat in hunt for food

Gazans resort to turtle meat in hunt for food
  • Once the shell has been removed, the meat is cut up, boiled and cooked in a mix of onion, pepper, tomato and spices
  • “The children were afraid of the turtle, and we told them it tasted as delicious as veal,” said Majida Qanan

KHAN YUNIS, Palestinian Territories: With food scarce in the besieged and war-battered Gaza Strip, some desperate families have turned to eating sea turtles as a rare source of protein.
Once the shell has been removed, the meat is cut up, boiled and cooked in a mix of onion, pepper, tomato and spices.
“The children were afraid of the turtle, and we told them it tasted as delicious as veal,” said Majida Qanan, keeping an eye on the chunks of red meat simmering in a pot over a wood fire.
“Some of them ate it, but others refused.”
For lack of a better alternative, this is the third time 61-year-old Qanan has prepared a turtle-based meal for her family who were displaced and now live in a tent in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza largest city.
After 18 months of devastating war and an Israeli blockade on aid since March 2, the United Nations has warned of a dire humanitarian situation for the 2.4 million inhabitants of the Palestinian territory.
Israel has accused Hamas of diverting aid, which the Palestinian militant group denies.
The heads of 12 major aid organizations warned on Thursday that “famine is not just a risk, but likely rapidly unfolding in almost all parts” of the territory.
“There are no open crossings and there is nothing in the market,” said Qanan.
“When I buy two small bags (of vegetables) for 80 shekels ($22), there is no meat,” she added.
Sea turtles are internationally protected as an endangered species, but those caught in Gaza fishermen’s nets are used for food.
Qanan mixes the meat with flour and vinegar to wash it, before rinsing and boiling it in an old metal pot.
“We never expected to eat a turtle,” fisherman Abdel Halim Qanan said.
“When the war started, there was a food shortage. There is no food. So (turtle meat) is an alternative for other sources of protein. There is no meat, poultry or vegetables.”
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that Gaza is facing its most severe humanitarian crisis since the war began on October 7, 2023, triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Fighting has raged in Gaza since then, pausing only twice — recently during a two-month ceasefire between January 19 and March 17, and in a previous one-week halt in late November 2023.
The World Health Organization’s regional chief Hanan Balkhy said in June that some Gazans were so desperate that they were eating animal food, grass, and drinking sewage water.
Hamas on Thursday accused Israel of using “starvation as a weapon” against Gazans by blocking aid supplies.
Fisherman Qanan said the turtles were killed in the “halal” method, in accordance with Islamic rites.
“If there was no famine, we would not eat it and leave it, but we want to compensate for the lack of protein,” he said.