Lebanese President Aoun Expresses Frustration Over Regional Conflicts

On Sunday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun took to X (formerly Twitter) to express Lebanon's growing frustration with the ongoing regional conflicts. Speaking during a meeting with an Iranian delegation at the presidential palace, Aoun stated that Lebanon is "fed up and tired of other people's wars." His comments were made in reference to Lebanon’s longstanding involvement in the Palestinian cause and the toll it has taken on the country.

Aoun emphasized that Lebanon has paid a "heavy price" due to its support for the Palestinian issue and reiterated the country’s commitment to the decisions made at the recent Riyadh summit. The summit focused on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which Aoun strongly supports.

These remarks come on the heels of significant regional developments, particularly in Beirut, where a funeral for fallen Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safi al-Din was held. Both were killed during Israeli airstrikes last year, and their deaths mark a turning point for Hezbollah.

The funeral took place in Beirut on February 23, 2025, drawing crowds of mourners and highlighting the ongoing influence of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Nasrallah, who had led the group for over 30 years, was widely regarded as a major figure in Middle Eastern politics and was responsible for directing several large-scale operations against Israel. Despite the heavy toll of these conflicts, President Aoun's statements underscore Lebanon's desire to disengage from external disputes and focus on its own stability.

In a broader context, Arab leaders recently gathered in Riyadh to discuss the ongoing Palestinian issue and efforts to find a lasting peace. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the situation in Gaza, as Arab countries work toward an alternative solution to previous plans, such as those proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, Israel's military continues to make headlines with the release of video footage of the assassination of former Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in September 2024. The strike, which targeted Nasrallah's underground headquarters in Beirut, resulted in significant casualties, including Nasrallah himself and other Hezbollah commanders.