Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut

Beirut, May 2: Lebanon's top security body, the Higher Defence Council, has issued a stern warning to Palestinian group Hamas, cautioning against using Lebanese territory for activities that could jeopardize national security. The warning comes after rocket fire aimed at Israel led to Israeli counterstrikes.

Lebanese authorities face increasing pressure from the United States to disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah, which has close ties with Hamas. Tensions have intensified following a 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah, with a focus on the south near the Israel-Lebanon border.

Lebanese officials claim Israel has violated the US-brokered November 2024 truce, citing daily breaches including air attacks on Beirut. In a statement, President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need to maintain Lebanon’s sovereignty, pledging decisive action against any instability-causing activities.

Aoun has long pushed to bring all weapons under state control, though disarming Hezbollah remains a contentious issue. Mohammad al-Mustafa, the council’s secretary-general, reiterated that while Palestinian rights are important, Lebanon's stability must remain a priority.

Hamas, which has a strong presence in Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camps, has previously launched rockets into Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes have killed several Hamas commanders, escalating tensions in the region.

To address concerns from Israel and the US, Lebanese authorities have arrested individuals accused of firing rockets in late March. Although no group claimed responsibility, security sources indicated that Hamas members were apprehended.