Completion of the First Phase of the Gaza Agreement After Occupation’s Obstruction and Final Exchange / Government Wins Confidence Vote with 95 in Favour, 12 Opposed, 4 Abstentions, and 17 Absent
Salam: Liberation, Ending Aggression, Reconstruction, Return of Syrian Refugees, and Appointments
February 27, 2025
The political editor wrote
Preparations late last night and statements from both the Palestinian and Israeli sides confirmed that the first phase of the ceasefire agreement has entered its final days, with the completion of the agreed-upon prisoner exchanges as expected. This follows a deliberate obstruction by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which had refused to release the 625 Palestinian detainees who were scheduled to regain their freedom last Saturday.
Regionally, attention is drawn to Israel’s escalating military operations inside Syrian territory, following Netanyahu’s announcement of his plan to establish a demilitarised security zone in the provinces of Suwayda, Daraa, and Quneitra. This comes alongside plans to annex the Golan Heights and maintain a military presence on Mount Hermon. The latest Israeli operations included airstrikes in al-Kiswah, south of Damascus, raids in Daraa, and multiple incursions into the three targeted provinces.
In Lebanon, Parliament concluded its sessions debating the ministerial statement of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government. Over two days and four sessions, 48 MPs delivered remarks, either on behalf of parliamentary blocs or as independent voices. Last night, the confidence vote was held, with the government securing 95 votes in favour. Twelve MPs, including those from the Free Patriotic Movement and MP Cynthia Zarazir, opposed the motion, while four abstained, and 17 were absent. With this strong mandate, the government officially begins its full-term governance today.
During last night’s session, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam responded to MPs’ comments and outlined the government’s key priorities. He emphasised the need to restore proper governance dynamics, stating, “It is time to return to the sound practice of this system, with a majority supporting the government and a minority in opposition. We are ready to participate in accountability sessions and welcome constructive criticism”.
Regarding the government’s priorities, he affirmed, “We are committed to working towards the liberation of Lebanese territory from the “Israeli” enemy and will continue mobilising Arab and international support to compel “Israel” to cease its violations of Lebanese sovereignty. Since the formation of this government, we have launched a broad diplomatic campaign to secure backing for “Israel’s” withdrawal from our lands and the implementation of Resolution 1701. Our ministerial statement reaffirms Lebanon’s right to self-defense in the event of an attack”.
He added, “Within a few weeks, we will complete key appointments with qualified individuals and proceed with the adoption of decentralisation and the formation of a national commission to abolish political sectarianism”. He further stated, “We will engage in serious dialogue with Syrian authorities and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland”.
