Lebanon joined an international call for a general strike on Monday to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The announcement came from Mahmud Mekkiya, the Secretary General of the Government Chancellery, via his X account.
In response to the global appeal for a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which has faced heavy Israeli military action, Mekkiya stated that all government offices and municipalities would close on Monday by decision of Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Following the move, Lebanon’s Acting Minister of Education and Higher Education, Abbas Halabi, ordered the closure of public and private schools, colleges, institutes, and universities on Monday.
Halabi underscored that, in solidarity with the Palestinian people who have endured mass destruction and forced displacement, voices must be raised in defense of civilians in the Gaza Strip and in Southern Lebanon, where tensions have surged. The region has seen renewed confrontations with Israeli forces.
The Middle East has grown tenser since thousands of Hamas militants infiltrated Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, resulting in the capture of more than two hundred hostages.
On that day, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and declared the start of Operation Al Aqsa Flood. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country had entered a state of war.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a prominent Shiite group, voiced its support for Hamas. Rocket fire emerged from both Lebanon and Israel as the conflict escalated. By the afternoon of October 19, the Israeli army reported fire crossing from Lebanese territory toward border areas in Israel, with the IDF noting several anti-tank missiles targeted at Kibbutz Manara.
There is ongoing debate around Hezbollah’s presence and influence within Lebanon, with analysts citing the group’s long-standing involvement in regional dynamics. Heralded assessments suggest that any broadened confrontation could test Israel’s Iron Dome defense system and the broader balance of power in the region. Observers emphasize that security calculations in Lebanon and neighboring areas are highly sensitive to the evolving conflict and external pressures from regional actors.
As the situation develops, experts stress the importance of clear communication from governments and international bodies to prevent missteps and to protect civilians caught in the crossfire. The unfolding events highlight the fragile nature of ceasefires and the difficulty of achieving durable stability in a landscape marked by competing narratives, strategic interests, and the human cost of war. (Bloomberg)
Analysts note that the cross-border exchanges between Israel and Lebanon, along with the broader Gaza crisis, have the potential to reshape South Mediterranean security dynamics. Regional leaders are urging restraint while preparing for possible humanitarian and diplomatic responses, including the coordination of aid and evacuation efforts for civilians affected by the fighting. (Reuters)
The current phase of the crisis underscores the need for international diplomacy, vigilant monitoring, and robust humanitarian corridors to address urgent needs on both sides of the border. Governments across the region are faced with the challenge of balancing security priorities with the protection of civilian lives, a task that requires careful coordination with international partners and credible verification of ceasefire commitments. (Associated Press)