The Lebanese security scene has once again come to the forefront, as concerns mount over escalating political tension and the looming specter of a bleak tunnel. Prime Minister Najib Mikati, after offering condolences for the loss of "Forces" coordinator Pascal Sliman, affirmed, "There are malicious hands at work, but the security apparatuses are vigilant."
Following a series of incidents targeting Syrian refugees in several areas, the "Forces" condemned these "barbaric assaults," stressing that "the demand for the return of Syrian refugees has become more urgent, especially after the extent of the criminal and destabilizing acts that some of them engage in has become clear."
Meanwhile, the municipality of Bourj Hammoud stated that it is fulfilling its duties within its legal powers, with state agencies responsible for regulating the entry, residence, and employment of Syrians. The Baysour Directorate in "Al-Qawmiyya" condemned the burning of an ambulance bearing the party's emblem.
In the south, Israeli shelling renewed, targeting border towns such as Kiyarun, Ad-Dahira, Yaroun, and Meiss Al-Jabal. In response, Hezbollah swiftly retaliated with missile strikes, hitting military sites like Sammaka and Ar-Rumtha in the hills of Kafr Shuba and Bayadah.
Amid the escalating presidential deadlock, attention turns to the resumption of discussions by the "Quintet Committee" early next week with political stakeholders to revisit pending files.
On another front, the Russian Foreign Ministry strongly advised Russian citizens to refrain from traveling to the Middle East, especially Israel, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories, except for essential reasons.
Regionally, the Political Bureau Chief of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, reaffirmed ongoing negotiations for a hostage and prisoner swap, despite the deaths of six of his sons and grandchildren.
With the death toll in Gaza rising to 33,545 since the outbreak of the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel continues its campaign in the sector but is also prepared for scenarios in other areas.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council called for the immediate removal of all obstacles to aid delivery to Gaza. They urged parties to the conflict to respect the protection afforded to humanitarian workers and condemned acts of violence and hostility against civilians.
The United Arab Emirates supported the "Amalthea Fund" for humanitarian response in Gaza with $15 million.
Internationally, the US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, announced that the Department of State has approved a potential deal to sell Multi-Function Information Distribution Systems to Saudi Arabia at a cost of $101.1 million.
On its part, Mexico lodged a complaint against Ecuador with the International Court of Justice over the raid by the latter's police on its embassy in Quito.
In economic news, OPEC's oil production in March increased by 3,000 barrels per day compared to February, reaching 26.6 million barrels, primarily due to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Gabon, and Kuwait.
