Lebanon Warns Iqlim Kharoub Residents From Contact With COVID-19 Patients

 An aerial view shows the Lebanese capital Beirut's Martyrs Square almost deserted on March 26. AFP
An aerial view shows the Lebanese capital Beirut's Martyrs Square almost deserted on March 26. AFP
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Lebanon Warns Iqlim Kharoub Residents From Contact With COVID-19 Patients

 An aerial view shows the Lebanese capital Beirut's Martyrs Square almost deserted on March 26. AFP
An aerial view shows the Lebanese capital Beirut's Martyrs Square almost deserted on March 26. AFP

A Lebanese deputy warned on Monday that the country would be at great risk if residents do not abide by the precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.

“Things are starting to get out of control. If we are not aware of the situation and respect precautionary measures, unfortunately, every house, village, or town will be a threat,” said MP Bilal Abdullah, who represents the Iqlim El-Kharroub region.

A major spike in COVID-19 infections was witnessed last week in the town of Mazboud, in Iqlim al-Kharroub.

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people, particularly those who are in contact with the infected, who are not quarantined in the appropriate condition,” Abdullah said.

He uncovered the registry of new COVID-19 infections in the Iqlim. “Things are starting to get out of our control. This is what is happening in Mazboud, Barja, Chehime, and Katarmaya,” he said.

Last Friday, the municipality of Mazboud had declared a state of emergency over an increase in the number of coronavirus infections.

The Health Ministry said last week that the majority of the new cases recorded in the country are among residents who had come in contact with infected individuals.

On Monday, the Lebanese Health Ministry had reported only five infections with the COVID-19, bringing the country’s total number of cases to 1,119.

It said no fatalities were reported in the country during the past 24 hours, leaving the toll at 26.

Last week, the Lebanese government had extended lockdown measures until June 7 after the country witnessed a spike in the number of infected people with 63 cases confirmed Thursday and a further 62 registered Friday.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Hamad Hassan announced Monday via his Twitter account that a million masks will be distributed for free, in cooperation between the Health Ministry and the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities.

“A mask and safe distancing are the components for a conscious return journey,” Hassan said.



Independent Israeli Commission Blames Netanyahu and Others for October 2023 Attack

A protester walks between vehicles as people protest demanding the release of hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, ahead of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 26, 2024. (Reuters)
A protester walks between vehicles as people protest demanding the release of hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, ahead of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 26, 2024. (Reuters)
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Independent Israeli Commission Blames Netanyahu and Others for October 2023 Attack

A protester walks between vehicles as people protest demanding the release of hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, ahead of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 26, 2024. (Reuters)
A protester walks between vehicles as people protest demanding the release of hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, ahead of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 26, 2024. (Reuters)

The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services.

The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe.

The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.”

It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues.

The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means.

On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking.

The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack.

Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over.