Lebanon Warns Hamas: No Attacks from Its Territory

Lebanon’s top military authority has issued a stern warning to Hamas, vowing the “harshest measures” if the group attempts to launch any attacks from Lebanese soil.

The Higher Defence Council’s statement on Friday followed the recent arrest of several Lebanese and Palestinian individuals accused of firing rockets into northern Israel, according to AP.

“Hamas and other factions will not be allowed to endanger national stability,” the council declared. “The safety of Lebanon’s territories is above all.”

Brig Gen Mohammed al-Mustafa, reading the statement, added, “The harshest measures will be taken to put a complete end to any act that infringes on Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

There was no immediate response from Hamas officials to requests for comment.

Hamas previously launched attacks on Israel from within Lebanon since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.

In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hamas operatives in Lebanon, including the assassination of senior military leader Saleh Arouri in Beirut.

Lebanese authorities are aiming to reassert control over the entire country, particularly the south near the Israeli border, following a 14-month conflict between Israel - Hezbollah that concluded in late November with a US-mediated ceasefire.

In March, multiple suspects, including Palestinians, were arrested in connection with two rocket attacks on Israel. Those attacks prompted heavy Israeli bombardments in Lebanon, reports UNB.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah denied involvement in the rocket fire.