Lebanon’s Hariri 'Most Likely' Not to Run in Elections

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)
TT

Lebanon’s Hariri 'Most Likely' Not to Run in Elections

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri chairs a meeting of al-Mustaqbal Movement (NNA)

Lebanon’s former Prime Minister Saad Hariri has held meetings with members of his Mustaqbal Movement, and ex-PMs Fouad Siniora and Tammam Salam to discuss with them the latest political developments.

Hariri is expected to announce his decision regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections amid reports that he will “most likely” refrain from running as a candidate.

Hariri is expected to complete his consultations and meet with Speaker Nabih Berri soon.

A well-informed source revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the former PM does not intend to announce his candidacy or back the electoral lists of al-Mustaqbal.

He pointed out that Hariri is about to take his decision to abstain from interfering in the parliamentary elections or even backing independent candidates.

The source said that Hariri will also leave it to the current members of his parliamentary bloc and his Movement to decide whether to run in the elections or not, at their own risk.

Hariri’s announcement regarding the elections is crucial and can affect political alliances in the vote.



Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
TT

Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)

The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world.

The UN health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more.

WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat.

Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah in the country two months ago.

The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday.