NNA – Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail, attended by ministers involved in Lebanon’s crisis response plan, alongside UN representatives and donor nations. Participants included Deputy Prime Minister, Saadeh Shami, and ministers from several key portfolios, such as Education, Finance, Health, Social Affairs, Energy, and Labor.
Mikati opened the meeting by addressing the severity of the situation: “Lebanon is under continuous assault in clear violation of international humanitarian law. So far, around 2,400 people have been killed, more than 10,000 wounded, and nearly one million displaced by the ongoing war launched by Israel.”
Mikati then stressed the urgency of implementing Lebanon's response plan to bolster public services and provide immediate humanitarian aid.
"Lebanon is facing one of its most severe crises, with the highest rate of displaced people globally. It cannot meet the essential needs of those at risk on its own," Mikati noted, calling for international support as outlined in the response plan.
UN Resident Coordinator, Imran Riza, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and transparency in ensuring the plan’s success.
"In these unstable times, nothing is more crucial than working together. The result we seek from today’s meeting is an agreement to implement Lebanon's response plan and work collectively as a steering committee to ensure strategic oversight," Riza said. He called for a full review of the plan starting next month to adjust strategies and budgets in line with the rapidly shifting context.
In turn, Minister of Social Affairs, Hector Hajjar, noted that the government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, plays a central role in coordinating aid efforts.
“The government is committed to supporting the most vulnerable groups and ensuring essential social services, in cooperation with donors, UN agencies, and international NGOs in Lebanon," Hajjar remarked. He also emphasized that Lebanon's response follows national standards to safeguard its territorial integrity amid the Israeli attacks targeting civilians.
In a separate meeting, Mikati welcomed the President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians, Dr. Youssef Bakhash, who briefed him on the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
Dr. Bakhash highlighted the sector's role in treating over 11,000 wounded since September 17, urging continued support for hospitals, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression.
"The number of injured continues to rise," Bakhash stated, stressing the need for long-term care for war casualties and addressing health concerns in overcrowded shelters.
Later, Minister of Labor, Mustafa Bayram, met with Mikati to discuss the latest developments.
Bayram emphasized Lebanon’s resilience: “We face a criminal enemy leaving us no choice but to endure. They may destroy our homes, but they cannot destroy our will."
Mikati also received MP Jihad Samad, who expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s efforts both locally and internationally to secure a ceasefire and enforce UN Resolution 1701.
Samad criticized the silence of the international community, saying, "The conspiracy and silence of many in the Arab and Islamic world embolden Israel to continue its violations."
Additionally, Mikati held talks with various officials and organizations, including the Lebanese banking sector, the Latin Bishop of Lebanon Cesar Essayan, and the head of Lebanon’s Court of Accounts, Judge Mohammad Badran.
