Lebanese Minister Warns Aid Cuts Risk Empowering Hezbollah

Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayyed has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences of reduced international aid to Lebanon. In an interview, she highlighted that cutting financial support risks exacerbating resurgent sectarian tensions within the country. The minister pointed out that ongoing Israeli strikes have driven mass displacement, forcing thousands of civilians into already overcrowded areas of Beirut. This influx is straining local resources and social cohesion. Sayyed argued that without adequate humanitarian assistance, the vacuum could be exploited by Hezbollah, thereby empowering the group and destabilizing the region further. The situation underscores the delicate balance between humanitarian needs and security concerns in Lebanon. As the National Operations Room and Disaster Risk Management Unit manage the crisis, the government urges the international community to maintain support to prevent a deeper humanitarian catastrophe and mitigate the risk of increased influence by militant factions amidst the chaos.