Lebanese Forces delegation visits Hasbaya and Marjayoun, reaffirms support for southern Lebanon residents

A delegation from the Lebanese Forces toured the districts of Hasbaya and Marjayoun, reaffirming the party’s support for residents in South Lebanon amid ongoing security tensions and recent Israeli attacks on the region, the state-run National News Agency reported Saturday.

The delegation included MPs from the “Strong Republic” bloc Said al-Asmar, Jihad Pakradouni and Nazih Matta, accompanied by head of the South Crisis Management Committee Jean al-Alam, assistant secretary for regional affairs Georges Eid and the party president’s envoy to Marjayoun and Hasbaya, Fadi Salameh.

The tour began with a visit to the Hasbani Municipalities Union, where the delegation was received by Union President Labib al-Hamra and members of the union. In remarks during the visit, al-Asmar praised “the resilience of the people of Hasbaya amid the ongoing war,” stressing that the Lebanese Forces would continue supporting residents of the region and southern villages.

The delegation also visited Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Marjayoun and Hasbaya Elias Kfouri, who thanked the delegation for its visit and emphasized the importance of standing by residents during the current period.

MP Nazih Matta said the Lebanese Forces “will always stand by the people,” stressing the importance of solidarity “under the umbrella of the state and within the framework of Lebanon’s 10,452 square kilometers,” which he described as the only solution to the country’s ongoing challenges.

The tour also included visits to the Our Lady of Saidnaya monastery and the town of Rashaya al-Foukhar, where the delegation met local municipal figures, as well as Kawkaba, before concluding with meetings with residents and community leaders across the area.

Christian villages in South Lebanon, such as Rmeish, Ain Ibel, Dibil and Qlayaa, remain populated but heavily isolated. Since the Lebanese Army’s withdrawal, residents have been trapped in enclaves facing supply shortages, while humanitarian aid has struggled to get through amid continued exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel in South Lebanon. Many residents have remained in their villages despite the ongoing attacks, refusing to abandon their land.