Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (L) meets with European Council President Charles Michel (R) at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center near the Dead Sea in Jordan, June 11, 2024. (Credit: Michel Hallak)
BEIRUT — "I am coming to you today from a country that is suffering the repercussions of war on its land," said caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the "Emergency Humanitarian Response to Gaza" conference in Jordan on Tuesday, urging present leaders to support Lebanon in its struggle "against the Israeli aggression."
Mikati arrived in Jordan on Monday, on an official visit to participate in the conference hosted at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center near the Dead Sea.
The conference, announced by Jordan in late May, is aimed at strengthening the international community’s response to the humanitarian disaster in the besieged Gaza Strip, devastated by eight months of relentless warfare. It is being hosted jointly by King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Mikati urged the global community to "intervene with all force" to bring an end to the 75-year disregard for Palestinian rights — referring to Security Council Resolution No. 2735, which he welcomed in the name of the Lebanese State. He emphasized Lebanon's support for Gaza and stability in the region, acknowledging the impact of the war on Lebanon, which has endured "deaths, displacement and destruction."
Lebanon "is ready to provide relief to the injured in Gaza, especially children, in its hospitals and to support them as an expression of its solidarity with them," he added.
Before the conference, Mikati thanked his Spanish counterpart, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, for Spain's steadfast backing of Lebanon, particularly evident through its active participation in the UNIFIL forces. He also commended Spain's recent decision to officially recognize the Palestinian state following its vote for full membership in the United Nations, renewing his congratulations to Sanchez on this significant move.
Mikati also met with the European Council President Charles Michel, who told Mikati that he believes a cease-fire in Gaza would result in a "de facto calm in southern Lebanon."
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 37,124 Palestinians, primarily civilians, since Oct. 7, according to data from Gaza’s Health Ministry. A parallel war between Hezbollah and Israel along the southern Lebanese border since Oct. 8 has resulted in almost 450 deaths in Lebanon, the majority Hezbollah fighters, and the displacement of more than 93,000 residents from the south.
Syrian refugees
During the meeting, Sanchez emphasized Spain's support for Lebanon in addressing the Syrian refugee crisis, and he pledged to communicate Lebanon's situation and stance to the European Union.
The European Council president also affirmed his "understanding of the Lebanese position on the issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon," noting that "European leaders are aware of the pressures that this file poses on Lebanon." Additionally, he indicated that the resolution of "this dilemma will accelerate after the European elections."
The murder of a Lebanese official in early April led to a surge of anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon, prompting authorities to take measures restricting the presence of the large Syrian refugee population, including evictions, vigilante violence, and threats of deportation to Syria where, as international humanitarian organizations warn, they face detention, kidnapping, and forced military service.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez, caretaker Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib and caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin were also in attendance on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Spain's Prime Minister expressed readiness to support Lebanon by providing expertise to establish an environmental police force, protect forests and reserves, and share Spain's experience, in response to Lebanon's Environment Minister's request, as Lebanon continues to struggle with recurring and worsening wildfires driven by drought, high temperatures, and broader environmental and climatic pressures.