Aoun Discusses with Secretary-General of 'Council of Muslim Sages' the Importance of Dialogue in Enhancing Peace and Consolidating Coexistence

Beirut - Mansour Shaaban

The glow of massive Israeli explosions, which caused strong tremors that shook buildings in Sidon early yesterday, was visible in areas far along the coast of the Chouf region in Mount Lebanon between Sidon and Beirut. White smoke clouds were seen after sunrise in the skies surrounding residential areas. The explosions and airstrikes targeted the town of Bani Hayyan, and Israeli forces burned several homes in the town of Hawta in the Marjayoun district. The National News Agency reported that artillery used 155mm shells to bombard the town of Haddatha in the Bint Jbeil district.

These field developments are weighing heavily on the positions of the ruling establishment. The day before yesterday, President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun received Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam at Baabda Palace. The President was briefed on the results of his visit to New York and Washington, and the positive talks he held with several American and international officials, which covered the situation in Lebanon and the region. They also discussed the atmosphere of his tour in the Nabatieh area, the meetings he held with officials and citizens, and his listening to their needs. According to the National News Agency, the two discussed "the steps that must be taken to address living and daily affairs, and the measures approved by the Council of Ministers."

Yesterday, President Aoun received in Baabda Palace the Secretary-General of the "Council of Muslim Sages," Advisor Mohammed Abdel Salam, and discussed with him the importance of dialogue between religions and cultures in enhancing social peace and consolidating the values of coexistence. President Aoun commended the efforts made by the "Council of Muslim Sages," under the presidency of His Eminence Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to enhance dialogue, coexistence, and human brotherhood, and to spread the values of peace and understanding among followers of different religions and cultures. He renewed the invitation he had previously extended to Grand Imam Al-Tayeb to visit Lebanon.

For his part, Advisor Abdel Salam emphasized the Council's commitment to continuing work with religious and intellectual institutions and leaders in Lebanon to enhance dialogue and understanding, and to consolidate the values of citizenship, shared living, and human brotherhood, thereby contributing to the construction of more secure, stable, and peaceful societies. He noted that Lebanon holds a special place due to its religious and cultural diversity, and its historical experience in shared living.

In Bkerke, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Ra'i reviewed the current situation with Minister of Telecommunications Charles Hajj. In a conversation with journalists, Hajj said he had conveyed the President of the Republic's greetings to Patriarch Al-Ra'i, noting that "Bkerke, as a historical reference, plays a unifying national role," and called for approaching its stances with a spirit of detachment, commitment, and responsibility.

From Jordan, Tourism Minister Emad Al-Hijazin visited Patriarch Al-Ra'i and informed him of the "launch of preparations for the 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' celebration, which will continue until 2030," and conveyed King Abdullah II's greetings. Patriarch Al-Ra'i returned the greetings.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell concluded her visit program to Lebanon. A statement from UNICEF stated that "since March 2, 2026, at least 261 children have been killed and 1,056 injured. Approximately 436 schools have been damaged or destroyed, putting around 100,000 children at risk of losing their place in school."