Public Sentiment in Lebanon: Solidarity with Gaza

In a significant expression of public sentiment, a solidarity stand for Gaza was held in the city of Nabatieh in South Lebanon. The event, which took place in the courtyard of the city's Husseini Club, was called for by the Mufti and Imam of Nabatieh, Sheikh Abdul Hussein Sadiq. It drew a crowd that included political and social figures, such as a member of the Amal Movement's presidency, Khalil Hamdan, and the mayor of Nabatieh, Abbas Fakhr al-Din, alongside local citizens. [8] During the gathering, Sheikh Sadiq delivered a speech emphasizing the event as a 'cry of fraternal and humanitarian sympathy' with the people of Gaza in the face of ongoing Israeli military operations. [8] He lauded the steadfastness of the Gazan people against what he termed 'methods of liquidation and extermination'. [8] The demonstration aimed to send a clear message of support and to condemn the violence that has afflicted the Gaza Strip, reflecting a mood that has been seen in other protests in southern Lebanon. [7, 11] This demonstration in Nabatieh is not an isolated event but part of a wider pattern of solidarity across Lebanon. [6] Cities like Sidon and the capital, Beirut, have witnessed numerous marches, student protests, and general strikes in support of Gaza. [7, 15] These grassroots movements showcase a strong sense of solidarity with the Palestinian cause among the Lebanese populace, particularly in the south, which has its own long history of conflict with Israel. The public displays of support in South Lebanon are particularly significant given the ongoing cross-border hostilities and the precarious state of the Lebanese economy and political system. [16] While these demonstrations articulate a clear stance on the regional conflict, they also surface the complex desires of the local population. In his address, Sheikh Sadiq concluded with a powerful message about the people of the South, noting their deep desire for the establishment of a sovereign, prosperous, and secure state, born from their own decades of hardship and sacrifice. [8]