Lebanon warns Hamas against attacks harming national security

Lebanon's Supreme Defense Council has formally warned Hamas against using Lebanese territory to conduct operations that could compromise the nation's security or sovereignty, amid growing concerns over attacks launched from Lebanon into Israel. The council, supported by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, stated that the harshest measures would be taken against any faction, including Hamas, that endangers Lebanese stability or violates its sovereignty. This warning follows incidents in late March where both Lebanese and Palestinian suspects were detained for allegedly firing rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes. Lebanese authorities emphasized that all illegal weapons should be handed over to the state and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing armed groups under government control. The move reflects Lebanon's desire to avoid being drawn into regional conflicts while asserting its authority in areas where militant groups like Hamas have a longstanding presence. Hamas has not publicly responded to the warnings as of yet.