Lebanon PM to Introduce Bill Proposing Early Elections

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab. (Dalati & Nohra)
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab. (Dalati & Nohra)
TT

Lebanon PM to Introduce Bill Proposing Early Elections

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab. (Dalati & Nohra)
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab. (Dalati & Nohra)

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced Saturday he will introduce a draft bill proposing early elections for the crisis-stricken country.

In a televised speech, he called on all political parties to put their disagreements aside and work together.

He said he is ready to stay in the post for two months to allow for politicians to work together on implementing reforms, saying he was not to blame for the country's deep economic and political woes.

On the devastating Beirut blast, he said everyone involved will be held accountable.

The investigation will uncover the truth and it will bring those responsible to justice, he added

“Holding early elections is key to resolving the country’s problems,” Diab stressed.

“It is unacceptable to stand against structural reforms, rather the country must be allowed to stand up on its feet,” he continued.

“I share the Lebanese people’s aspirations for change,” said the premier.



Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
TT

Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

A spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing said on Saturday that a female Israeli hostage had been killed in an area of northern Gaza that had been struck by Israeli forces.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was offering a reward of $5 million to anybody who brings out a hostage held in Gaza.

"Anybody who brings out a hostage will find with us a secure way for them and their family to leave" Gaza, Netanyahu said in a video filmed inside the Palestinian territory, according to his office.

"We will also give them a reward of $5 million for each hostage."