Jumblat Calls Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire an Illusion, Urges Better Shelters for Displaced

What happened

Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblat told Naharnet on Monday that the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is an "illusion," describing it as ineffective amid ongoing hostilities. He criticized the continuing "policy of destruction and displacement," urging Lebanon’s Ministry of Social Affairs to prepare "new, civilized shelters" for displaced people rather than issuing empty statements, and called on the Ministry of Education to ready for the next academic season under these difficult conditions.

The ceasefire, initially announced some time ago, has been extended twice, but clashes persist between Israel and Hezbollah forces across south Lebanon and the West Bekaa region, as well as near the border in northern Israel. Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas including Beirut’s southern suburbs and Baalbek district, though the sources do not confirm which party carried out all the attacks.

Jumblat’s remarks reflect frustration among some Lebanese officials and communities over the ongoing violence despite diplomatic efforts, with significant humanitarian consequences for displaced civilians in the region. The calls for improved shelters highlight the broader issue of civilian protection and state readiness amid the protracted conflict.

Known from the source

• Walid Jumblat described the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire as an "illusion" in a Naharnet interview.
• The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been extended twice.
• Clashes continue between Israel and Hezbollah in south Lebanon, West Bekaa, and northern Israel.
• Israeli strikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs and Baalbek district as reported by Naharnet.
• Jumblat called for the Ministry of Social Affairs to establish better shelters for displaced persons.

What remains unclear

Reports from the region also note rising tensions and shifts in political attitudes, such as discourse around Iranian influence in Lebanon's Shiite communities, but these remain subject to further verification and analysis. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting claims on the ground and no confirmed resolution in sight.

What remains unclear: Independent verification of the ongoing ceasefire status from UNIFIL or other neutral monitors. Attribution of recent airstrikes and responsibility for specific attacks. Verification of displacement figures and shelter conditions in affected areas. Official Lebanese government statements responding to Jumblat's calls.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.