In a candid interview on Euronews' Europe Today, Lebanese MP Nadim Gemayel dismissed the notion that a real ceasefire is in place between Israel and Hezbollah. Speaking from Beirut, Gemayel argued that the current lull in hostilities is fragile and that the underlying dynamics of the conflict remain unresolved.
“There was no real ceasefire in Lebanon,” Gemayel said, pointing to continued violations and the absence of a sustainable political framework. His remarks come amid reports of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon that have killed civilians despite the supposed truce.
Disarming Hezbollah: A Daunting Task
Gemayel, a member of the Lebanese parliament and a prominent Christian politician, emphasized that disarming Hezbollah would require immense political will. “It will take a lot of will, courage, and decision from Lebanon,” he said. However, he cautioned that the country is ill-equipped for such a mission. “We have no state. The Lebanese are paying the price of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.”
Hezbollah, a Shia militant group and political party, maintains a significant arsenal and operates independently of the Lebanese state. Its military wing is widely considered more powerful than the national army. Gemayel’s comments reflect a long-standing frustration among many Lebanese politicians who see Hezbollah’s armed presence as a threat to national sovereignty.
Lebanon's Fragile State
Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government for years, mired in economic collapse and political paralysis. The state’s inability to exert control over its territory has allowed Hezbollah to operate with impunity. Gemayel argued that until Lebanon builds a strong, centralized state, any ceasefire will remain hollow.
The MP’s critique echoes broader concerns across Europe and the Middle East. The European Union has repeatedly called for Hezbollah’s disarmament under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Yet, little progress has been made. Gemayel’s remarks highlight the gap between international expectations and local realities.
Recent incidents, such as an Israeli airstrike that killed a Hezbollah commander in Beirut's suburbs, underscore the volatility. Gemayel warned that such actions risk dragging Lebanon into a wider regional conflict, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt.
European Implications
For European policymakers, the situation in Lebanon is a reminder of the fragility of Middle Eastern ceasefires. The EU has been a key donor to Lebanon, providing humanitarian aid and supporting state institutions. However, Gemayel’s assessment suggests that without fundamental political reform, external assistance may be futile.
The MP also noted that the conflict has a direct impact on Europe through migration and security. “When Lebanon burns, Europe feels the heat,” he said. The country hosts over 1.5 million Syrian refugees, and any escalation could trigger new waves of displacement toward European shores.
Gemayel’s interview comes at a time when other ceasefires in the region are also under strain. In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy has warned of retaliation after Russian violations, while Gulf states remain on edge after attacks on the UAE. The pattern suggests that ceasefires, without robust enforcement mechanisms, often fail to deliver lasting peace.
Gemayel concluded by calling on the international community to pressure all parties to respect the truce and support Lebanon’s state-building efforts. “We need a real ceasefire, not just words,” he said. “The Lebanese people deserve peace, but they also deserve a state that can protect them.”
