Druze leader and former head of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Joumblatt, warned that the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel could escalate and that Lebanon should be prepared for grave repercussions internally.
“A possible Israeli ground offensive on Gaza might have grave internal consequences, thus necessitating communication with Hezbollah to avoid being dragged into the war,” Joumblatt said following a meeting of the General Assembly of the Druze Council.
He said the meeting was aimed at reviewing preparations for a possible escalation in terms of hospitals’ readiness and availability of medicines.
“We also proposed, with the permission of the minister of education, to use public schools as shelters,” he said, adding that the clashes are going on in the south, “but we must prepare for the worst.”
Asked to comment on the Gaza conflict, Joumblatt said, “We are in favor of the land-for-peace equation,” but then asked, “Is there any land left for us to discuss peace?”
