Lebanese MP Condemns Israeli Abduction of Islamic Group Official as Violation of Sovereignty

Qassem Hashem, a member of the Development and Liberation parliamentary bloc in Lebanon, stated that the Israeli forces’ early morning incursion into the Al-Habbariyeh area and the abduction of Atwi Atwi, an official of the Islamic Group, constitute a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and national dignity.

He emphasized that issuing condemnatory statements alone is insufficient and called for practical and effective measures to halt such violations. According to Hashem, the recurrence of such incidents shows that political pressure without tangible action will yield no results.

The MP also highlighted the timing of the incident, noting that Israeli forces entered Lebanese territory shortly after the country’s Prime Minister had visited the southern regions. He said this raises serious questions about the motives and messages behind the move.

Hashem urged the Lebanese Prime Minister to take the necessary steps and exert efforts to secure the return of this Lebanese citizen. He stressed that the residents of southern Lebanon must be shielded and effectively protected against what he described as “Israeli bullying.”