Bassil condemns Israel's attacks: Our martyrs in the south are Lebanese

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil on Tuesday condemned Israel’s war on Gaza and attacks on Lebanon.

“The holy month of Ramadan has come while Gaza is witnessing a genocidal destructive war by Israel and while Lebanon is witnessing assassination and destruction attacks,” Bassil said in a post on the X platform.

“During Ramadan the month of mercy we wish welfare for all Lebanese and we plead to God to protect our country and bestow justice on our region,” Bassil added.

Bassil had on Monday defended a nun who has sparked controversy by saluting Hezbollah’s fighters and martyrs.

“Regardless of any political dispute, there are constants from which we do not deviate: Those who get martyred for the sake of Lebanon are martyrs for our homeland. Our martyrs in the south are Lebanese martyrs, despite our opposition to the ‘martyrs on the road to Jerusalem’ slogan,” Bassil said.

“When Sister Maya Ziade asked her students to pray for the south and its men, women, children and martyrs, she was implementing the teachings of Jesus Christ. All the appreciation and solidarity with Sister Maya Ziade,” the FPM chief added.

Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily cross-border fire since the Gaza war erupted in October, with Hezbollah saying its attacks are in support of the embattled Palestinian people and resistance.

Since the start of the confrontations, at least 317 people, mainly Hezbollah fighters but also 54 civilians, have been killed in Lebanon. Hundreds of homes have also been destroyed in the border region and around 100,000 Lebanese have been displaced.