In a statement, Hezbollah confirmed that the “popular sit-in organized by the group yesterday to condemn Israeli interference in Lebanese affairs and the violation of national sovereignty was a peaceful movement and a civilized expression of a popular position rejecting unjustified submission to external dictates.”
However, Hezbollah indicated that “the protesters were surprised by some members of the Lebanese army firing tear gas bombs at them, in a reprehensible act that constitutes an unjustified attack on peaceful citizens. It is a suspicious attempt to drag the army into a confrontation with its people.”
Expressing concern, Hezbollah called on the army leadership to urgently investigate this “reprehensible attack” and take appropriate measures to preserve the military’s role in protecting stability and civil peace.
Hezbollah also called on the Lebanese government to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting peaceful protesters and their right to express their positions and demands. The group demanded the government reverse its decision to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing at Beirut airport and take serious measures to prevent Israeli encroachment on national sovereignty.
Condemning an incident that targeted the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) the previous day near Rafik Hariri International Airport, Hezbollah stressed its “absolute rejection of any targeting” of UNIFIL or harm to public and private property.
Thousands of Lebanese citizens participated in the Hezbollah-called sit-in on the old road leading to Beirut’s airport, protesting Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and refusing to submit to Israeli threats. The protesters also demanded the government facilitate the return of Lebanese citizens stranded in Tehran after authorities prevented an Iranian aircraft from landing in Beirut.
Source: Hezbollah Media Relations (Translated by Al-Manar English Website)
