A Call from Nabatieh’s Residents Shakes the Scene: More Than 220 Figures Urge the Lebanese State and Army to Act Immediately to Save the City from Destruction

Nabatieh’s appeal to the three presidents and the government: more than 220 figures, including activists, dignitaries, and social, cultural, academic and economic leaders, as well as residents of the area

In line with the appeal from Tyre, we, the undersigned from among the people and residents of the city of Nabatieh, its surroundings and governorate, are coming together today in an attempt to save our city and region from the ongoing destruction caused by the Israeli aggression, which is targeting civilians, infrastructure and historical landmarks, and threatening the safety of our people and their right to remain on their land.

With the Israeli occupation army reaching towns in the district and the outskirts of Upper Nabatieh, and with the attacks that have struck the historic Beaufort Castle, we find ourselves facing a moral and national responsibility that compels us to raise our voices loudly, with full candor and without equivocation.

Our goal, like that of every citizen seeking to live in peace and dignity, is a definitive end to the war, the protection of our people, cities and villages, the full liberation of our land, and keeping Lebanon and the South away from axis politics and the wars of others, so that Nabatieh and the South do not become a bargaining chip in regional negotiations in which we have no stake, while asserting the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all its territory.

Our appeal today is an attempt to halt the destruction of our beloved city of Nabatieh and its region, in the hope of securing a comprehensive ceasefire across all Lebanese territory.

Accordingly, we call for:

The Lebanese government to launch an urgent Arab and international diplomatic and political initiative to protect the city of Nabatieh and its district from destruction and ongoing Israeli attacks.

Strengthening the deployment of the Lebanese Army and official security forces inside the city of Nabatieh, in its surroundings and at its entrances, and consolidating the presence of state institutions there in a way that preserves security and stability, protects civilians, and reassures residents, displaced people and those living there.

Declaring the city of Nabatieh and its surroundings a safe and open area under the care of the Lebanese state and its legitimate authority, free of anything that exposes its people to danger, allowing its residents to return, ensuring protection for the displaced, newcomers and those residing there, and sparing the city further destruction.

Securing safe corridors for humanitarian, relief and medical aid, and guaranteeing the continuation of basic services for the city’s residents and the surrounding villages.

Taking all necessary measures to protect Beaufort Castle and all other historical and heritage landmarks in the area, as they are part of Lebanon’s memory and national identity.

Working in word and deed to impose a ceasefire in Nabatieh and the South, similar to the capital Beirut, the southern suburbs and other areas.

Our appeal today is directed to the three presidents and the Lebanese government, urging them to shoulder the national and historic responsibility placed upon them.

Protecting the cities of the South, foremost among them Nabatieh, which constitutes a central heart of the southern people’s steadfastness and their return to their land, is not a local or factional issue, but a profoundly Lebanese cause, one now tied to saving Lebanon as a state, a people and an entity.

Protecting Nabatieh from destruction is protection for the South, and for all of Lebanon.