As part of the ongoing meetings and consultations conducted by Tajadod Bloc, which focus on bringing the Lebanese together around Lebanon’s interests first, at this turbulent and difficult time for the region and Lebanon, we were honored today to visit the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council and meet with its Vice President, His Eminence Sheikh and Scholar Ali al-Khatib, whose role in building common ground among the Lebanese we greatly appreciate.

This Council is the legacy of the disappeared Imam, Sayyed Moussa al-Sadr. It is a home that brings people together rather than dividing them, and this is what we need most today. The Lebanese are called upon to rally around the principles and foundations of the state’s existence at a time when we face grave existential threats.

We reaffirmed our support for the Palestinian people’s cause, which is a duty incumbent upon Lebanon. Lebanon has never hesitated to do everything within its power to support the Palestinian people’s right to reclaim their legitimate rights and establish their independent state, in accordance with the two-state solution, the return of refugees, and the principle of land for peace.

We also condemned the war on Gaza and, from this very institution, renewed our call on the Arab and international communities to make every effort to protect civilians and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, while exerting all possible pressure to achieve a just and comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian cause in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative announced in Beirut in 2002, which Israel has thwarted over the decades.

Lebanon, which has long suffered the repercussions of the region’s crises, is now in greater need than ever to protect itself and its people from the grave consequences that would follow if it were drawn into a devastating war—one that would inflict the heaviest losses in human lives, infrastructure, and property. Lebanon’s domestic political and economic situation is nearing complete collapse. This makes it imperative for us, as Lebanese, to work hand in hand to keep Lebanon militarily neutral and prevent any further slide into war, ensuring that it remains under the framework of international legitimacy resolutions. This is a national responsibility that we call on everyone to assume.

We thank His Eminence Sheikh Ali al-Khatib for his warm reception. As a parliamentary bloc representing diverse segments of our society, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing these efforts, meeting with further religious authorities, and engaging with political forces to establish a safety net that protects Lebanon and the Lebanese people.