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Sami Gemayel to Asharq Al-Awsat: Catastrophic Govt. Settlement Handed Lebanon to Hezbollah

Head of the Kataeb party MP Sami Gemayel. (NNA)
Head of the Kataeb party MP Sami Gemayel. (NNA)
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Sami Gemayel to Asharq Al-Awsat: Catastrophic Govt. Settlement Handed Lebanon to Hezbollah

Head of the Kataeb party MP Sami Gemayel. (NNA)
Head of the Kataeb party MP Sami Gemayel. (NNA)

Head of the Lebanese Kataeb party MP Sami Gemayel warned that the ruling class was leading Lebanon to the brink of collapse, warning that officials were not lifting a finger to rectify the situation.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he blamed the political settlement, which led to the election of Michel Aoun as president in 2016, for leading Lebanon to its current “catastrophic” state of affairs.

He held his former allies, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, for the current situation in Lebanon because they were part of the “disastrous” settlement.

The settlement, added Gemayel, allowed Hezbollah to take control of Lebanon.

“The current political class is covering for Hezbollah and is implementing the party’s policies, whether in defending it at international arenas or justifying its internal policies,” he continued.

“We believe that a government which is clearly controlled by Hezbollah must not be granted confidence,” he remarked.

In such a government, he explained, the party dictates its strategic decisions, allows illicit deals to be struck over economic affairs and holds direct sway over defense and foreign affairs.

The Kataeb party did not grant confidence to such a government, which was formed by a settlement that effectively gave power to Hezbollah and embroiled Lebanon in regional conflicts against the people’s will, said Gemayel.

“Some people do not want to admit to this reality. The truth is very clear. For the first time in Lebanon’s history, the president of the republic is not invited to visit the United States, any of the Arab states and any other country,” he noted. This is dangerous as it reveals that Lebanon has become a side in an ongoing conflict.

“When the government remains silent over every challenge from Lebanese territory against Arab or foreign countries and all of Lebanon’s historic friends, then this means that this government is complicit,” the MP remarked.

“We should no longer remain silent over such practices,” he demanded.

This is only the political aspect, he said. “We haven’t even started to discuss the massive failure on the economic and financial levels.”

“In the past, Lebanon could rely on aid and markets that would be opened for us. Now, we have to deal with sanctions, restrictions and unusual cash flows because Lebanon is being used to smuggle fuel to Syria,” he stated.

“Everyone must be held to account for this reality,” he stressed.

He therefore demanded that the government no longer be labeled as “national unity”, adding that all of its members who oppose its policies must resign.

“Remaining in power means that they are wronging the country and people,” the MP said without naming any names.

Gemayel proposed a Kataeb “roadmap” to amend the situation in Lebanon. He demanded that officials must first acknowledge their shortcomings and resign. This should be followed with the formation of a government of experts who can implement the reforms that the current government is unable to carry out.

This starts with fist controlling Lebanon’s land, sea and air borders. All illegal crossings must be shut to end smuggling.

The second step, he said, calls for ridding public institutions of all “fake positions” that are the greatest burden on the economy and finances. He explained that tens of thousands of people are registered as employees and earn salaries without even heading to work.

The electricity sector is another massive drain on the economy. Officials have not been able to resolve this issue for over 20 years because they are abusing the sector for their own personal enrichment, charged Gemayel.

The problem in Lebanon is that officials know what must be done, but they are not lifting a finger, he stated. “We have also lost friends who used to stand by our side after some parties insulted and threatened them. The irony is that they want to challenge and threaten the world and then ask it for help and money,” he noted.

“We have reached the edge of the abyss and no one has yet to slam on the brakes,” he warned. They speak of reform, but instead of implementing them, they are now blaming each other.

“We have no choice but to either carry out reform or resign and leave this responsibility for people who are serious about their work,” he stated.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.