Lebanese Politicians React after Hariri’s Bombshell Resignation

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri talks during a conference in Beirut, Lebanon January 19, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri talks during a conference in Beirut, Lebanon January 19, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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Lebanese Politicians React after Hariri’s Bombshell Resignation

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri talks during a conference in Beirut, Lebanon January 19, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri talks during a conference in Beirut, Lebanon January 19, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Saturday that Prime Minister Saad Hariri informed him about his surprise resignation that plunged the country into uncertainty.

“President Michel Aoun received a phone call from PM Saad Hariri, who is currently abroad, and informed him about the government’s resignation,” a statement issued from Baabda Palace said.

Aoun is waiting for Hariri’s return to Beirut “to hear the circumstances of his resignation” and to take appropriate action, the statement said.

Hariri announced his move in a televised statement, accusing Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

The head of al-Mustaqbal movement also said that the policies of “Hezbollah,” which is backed by Iran, have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm."

Following the resignation, Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri cut his visit to Egypt short and decided to return home.

Among the first politicians to react to Hariri’s move was Mustafa Alloush, a politician from al-Mustaqbal, who said the resignation came after the PM’s failure to bring Hezbollah to its senses.

Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra hoped Hariri’s move would be “an Intifada for dignity to confront all political obstacles.”

Kataeb Party lawmaker Elie Marouni expressed surprise at Hariri’s move, saying “we should await to hear from him” about the circumstances of his resignation.

Former President Michel Suleiman hailed Hariri over his stance, saying: “Enough having two armies in Lebanon.”

He was referring to Hezbollah, which the PM accused of forming a state within the state.



Fuel Shortages in Gaza at 'Critical Levels', UN Warns

 A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
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Fuel Shortages in Gaza at 'Critical Levels', UN Warns

 A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

The United Nations warned Saturday that dire fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip had reached "critical levels", threatening to dramatically increase the suffering in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

"After almost two years of war, people in Gaza are facing extreme hardships, including widespread food insecurity, seven UN agencies cautioned in a joint statement.

"When fuel runs out, it places an unbearable new burden on a population teetering on the edge of starvation," the statement added.