Latest News from L'Orient-Le Jour
L'Orient-Le Jour
17-05-2025
- Climate
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Fires in several regions of Lebanon
Multiple fires broke out on Saturday in several Lebanese regions, fueled by a heat wave. In South Lebanon, our correspondent reports several outbreaks, notably in the regions of Majdelzoun, Azzieh, Tayr Harfa, and in the area of Alma al-Shaab (Sour district.) A blaze in the region of Zrarieh, also in Sour, has been ongoing for several hours. These natural fires are adding to a list of Israeli strikes and a constant overflight by the aviation of the Hebrew state. Another major fire broke out in a forest in the village of Deir Dourit, in Chouf (Mount Lebanon), where flames dangerously approached houses, according to the National News Agency (NNA). Civil Defense intervention contained the fire, which had previously destroyed agricultural areas. Another fire broke out near the headquarters of the Sunni Sharia court in Beirut, in the Tarik el-Jdideh neighborhood, according to the NNA. Firefighters worked to extinguish it. A significant fire also broke out in forested areas on the outskirts of the locality of Rahbeh, in the Jouma-Akkar region, in North Lebanon. Civil Defense teams supported by the Lebanese army intervened to try to control the fire before it spread, as temperatures exceeded 35 degrees at noon in the region. A car caught fire on the road to Bhamdoun, in the caza of Aley, our correspondent reports. This incident contributed to increased traffic on this road leading to Bekaa, on the eve of municipal elections in this region. 72 Civil Defense missions Civil Defense published a statement in the evening specifying that its teams carried out a total of 72 fire-fighting missions during this hot and windy day, ideal conditions for fueling the flames. Among these missions were 63 fires in dry grasslands and woods, two houses, two stores, two cars, two generators, one fire in a residential building, and another in several tents. The fires broke out in regions as diverse as Kfarmatta, Baadarane, Bhamdoun, Baissour, Deir Dourit, Aramoun, Baakline, Dahr el-Wahch, Mansourieh, Beirut, Jbeil, Batroun, Akkar... In Bekaa, firefighters extinguished a fire that ravaged significant areas in the state lands of Niha. The Civil Defense also indicated it intervened in the Nabatieh region to fight fires caused by Israeli phosphorus bombs in the woods of Markaba, Houla, and Tallousseh. The fire destroyed a depot in the village of Aita al-Shaab. The agency also specified battling several blazes in many sectors in South Lebanon, notably in the Sour district. Civil Defense urged residents to follow directives and avoid unintentional fire outbreaks, especially when weather conditions are so conducive to the spread of flames. The statement reminds readers of the emergency numbers: 125 or via WhatsApp 70-192693. About a week ago, the international environmental defense association Greenpeace sounded the alarm on the effects of climate change in Lebanon, given the recent fires in the past week. In this regard, Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani reminded that a state of emergency has been declared in the forestry sector to prevent catastrophes this year.
L'Orient-Le Jour
11-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Municipal Elections: Lebanese Forces Win in Chekka, Kataeb–LF–Majd Harb Alliance Sweeps Tannourine
23:01 Beirut Time A source within the Marada Movement told L'Orient Today that the party has won all 21 seats on the municipal council of Zgharta and secured all 11 mukhtar positions in the city. 23:01 Beirut Time In North Lebanon, 'I voted for family—that's all that matters': Read our full report from the field here. 22:30 Beirut Time The FPM's electoral team confirmed to L'Orient Today the victory of its supported lists in Eddé (9-0) and Ijdabra (8-1), also in Batroun. 22:30 Beirut Time The Lebanese Forces' electoral team confirmed to L'Orient Today the victory of lists backed by the party and its allies, the Kataeb and Majd Harb, in the towns of Niha (9-0) and Kfar Abida (9-0) in the Batroun district. In Kfarhelda, the alliance secured 6 seats, while the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) won 3. 22:30 Beirut Time Rifi expresses concern over christian and Alawite representation in Tripoli Municipal Council Speaking to L'Orient Today in the evening, Ashraf Rifi, MP for Tripoli, who supports a full electoral list in the city alongside Faisal Karami and the Ahbash, voiced concern over the representation of Christians and Alawites on the municipal council. 'If the results do not guarantee this representation, it must be enshrined through legislation,' he stated. 22:10 Beirut Time In the village of Tannourine (Batroun), the Kataeb–Lebanese Forces–Majd Harb alliance won all 18 seats on the municipal council. 22:06 Beirut Time Kataeb – Michel Moawad – Lebanese Forces alliance claims full victories (9 seats each) in the villages of Aachach, Ayto, and Mazraet et-Teffah in the Zgharta district. The alliance also won eight seats in Sereel (Zgharta), where only one Marada candidate managed to break through. 21:48 Beirut Time The Lebanese Forces claim full victories (9 seats each) in the municipal councils of Chatine, Boqsmaya, Kour, and Kfahay in the Batroun district. 21:39 Beirut Time According to the Lebanese Forces' electoral team, the list backed by Samir Geagea's party won 14 out of 15 seats in the Chekka municipal council (Batroun). Only one candidate from the list supported by the Free Patriotic Movement managed to secure a seat. 21:31 Beirut Time Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar has called for an end to "celebratory gunfire" following the announcement of election results and confirmed that security forces will pursue those responsible for such shootings. 21:30 Beirut Time Salam says he 'cannot guarantee' municipal elections will be held in the South Prime Minister Nawaf Salam praised 'the speed with which complaints related to the municipal elections were handled' during a meeting at the Ministry of Interior that coincided with the closing of polling stations. 'We will learn from the problems that occurred today and do better in Beirut, the Bekaa, and the South,' he said. Salam also emphasized 'the importance of monitoring today's bribery operations,' adding that the matter will be referred to the judiciary. Regarding the organization of municipal elections in South Lebanon, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, the Prime Minister said he is 'continuing to work toward holding the elections in the South through political and diplomatic contacts.' However, he stated that he 'cannot guarantee' the vote will be held there, as the region continues to be hit by near-daily Israeli strikes. 21:30 Beirut Time The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) announced the victory of its candidate Ghassan Ghoch for the position of mukhtar in Chattine, in the Batroun district. 21:30 Beirut Time The electoral campaign team of Majd Harb told L'Orient Today that it has so far won two mukhtar seats in Tannourine, and noted that an independent female candidate has also been elected as mukhtar. 21:30 Beirut Time The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) announced victories for the electoral lists it supports in Deir Bella and Ijdabra, in the Batroun district, as well as in Mounjez, Akkar. A mukhtar backed by the FPM was also elected in Mounjez. 21:30 Beirut Time Celebratory gunfire turns deadly in Akkar A young man from the town of Ain al-Dahab in Akkar, Mohammad Jihad Khaled, was killed by a stray bullet during celebratory gunfire following the announcement of early municipal election results, reports our North Lebanon correspondent. 20:40 Beirut Time Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) has announced the victory of its candidate, Ghassan Ghoch, for the position of mukhtar in Chattine, in the Batroun district. 20:39 Beirut Time Salam says he 'cannot guarantee' municipal elections will be held in the South Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed 'the speed with which complaints related to the municipal elections were handled' during a meeting at the Interior Ministry, which coincided with the closing of polling stations. 'We will learn from the issues that arose today and do better in Beirut, the Bekaa, and the South,' he said. Salam also emphasized 'the importance of monitoring bribery operations today,' adding that the matter will be referred to the judiciary. Regarding the organization of municipal elections in South Lebanon, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, the Prime Minister said he is 'continuing efforts to ensure the elections take place in the South through political and diplomatic contacts.' He noted that he 'cannot guarantee' the vote will be held there, as the region is being targeted by near-daily Israeli strikes. First ballot boxes arrive at Halba Serail The first ballot boxes have begun arriving at the Halba Serail for counting, in the presence of Akkar Governor Imad Labaki. In addition, 51 municipalities and 51 mukhtars were elected unopposed in Akkar, according to our correspondent. 20:08 Beirut Time Menassa praises coordination between Defense and Interior ministries for successful municipal elections Defense Minister General Michel Menassa visited the operations room at the Lebanese Army Command to review the progress of the electoral process in North Lebanon and Akkar. Menassa praised 'the efforts made by the Lebanese Army and other security agencies to ensure the security of the electoral process, as well as the coordination between the Ministries of Defense and Interior to ensure the success of this national event.' 19:47 Beirut Time Salam arrives at Interior Ministry Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has arrived at the operations room of the Interior Ministry to monitor the vote counting process for the municipal elections in North Lebanon and Akkar. 19:35 Beirut Time Interior Ministry has announced the end of the election day in North Lebanon and Akkar following the closure of polling stations at 7:00 p.m. It stated that the final voter turnout was 35.9% in North Lebanon and 47.3% in Akkar. Turnout rates are broken down as follows: Out of 220,562 registered voters in North Lebanon, 79,253 people cast their ballots. In Akkar, 65,996 voters participated out of a total of 139,363 registered. 18:55 Beirut Time Number of complaints filed during vote 'did not exceed 500,' says Interior Minister Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar stated during a press conference at the ministry that the number of complaints filed during today's vote "did not exceed 500, most of which were administrative in nature." As for the incidents that occurred in various localities, Hajjar added that "they were heightened due to the intensity of the race and excessive enthusiasm." 18:32 Beirut Time In Qobbeh, a chance for 'new candidates' In the Qobbeh neighborhood of Tripoli, 26-year-old Wisal is voting for the first time. Asked about her voting choice, she looks at her mother with a smile and says, 'the same as her.' Her mother tells L'Orient Today that she is 'hoping for change: it started with the president and the government, so we hope it reaches Tripoli too.' Ghina, 38, says the vote was 'very organized and democratic.' 'The atmosphere is different from the last municipal elections, because in the meantime we've experienced a revolution, war, and an economic crisis,' she noted. Saying that she's giving a chance to 'new candidates,' she adds that she's waiting to see 'what they'll do with that chance.' 18:32 Beirut Time 'We had hoped everyone would get along' In Kobeyat, Akkar, Layal pointed out that the race is 'more focused on the mukhtars than the municipal council.' 'We had hoped everyone would get along,' said the voter, as a list uniting the FPM, Lebanese Forces, and Kataeb faces off against another, incomplete, list. A bit further down, Pedro, 29, said he hopes that 'change will reach the municipality.' 18:32 Beirut Time 'A competitive and civil atmosphere' in Akkar, says Hajjar During his tour of Akkar, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar emphasized that the election is taking place 'in a competitive and civil atmosphere, which is very positive.' 'A few incidents were recorded in some localities, but they were quickly handled by the army and security forces present at the voting centers,' he added, calling on residents to 'cooperate with the security services and conclude this election day in a spirit of strengthened democracy.' 17:08 Beirut Time Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections has once again recorded a series of violations at various polling stations, notably in Minyeh, where an altercation occurred following unauthorized contact between the head of a polling station and a delegate from an electoral list, as well as in Miriata, where 'serious irregularities' were reported. 16:57 Beirut Time A fight broke out between delegates of rival lists in Berkael, in the Akkar region, reports our correspondent. The army and police intervened to separate those involved in the incident. 16:33 Beirut Time Also in Tebbaneh, Rabiaa Hamoud, in her thirties, said she is 'full of hope for change': 'We hope good people will be elected and that the current political class will no longer dominate Tripoli. I'd also like to see regulation of TikTok, motorcycles, bicycles, and finally the repair of sidewalks.' Although the Lebanese Army and security forces are present throughout Tripoli, the military was deployed between the neighborhoods of Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. 16:26 Beirut Time Hope for better services in Tripoli neighborhood of Tebbaneh In the Tebbaneh neighborhood of Tripoli, security sources are anticipating an increase in turnout after 5 p.m. due to vote buying, with prices reportedly rising later in the day. At the local intermediate high school, Alaa Mnajed, 23, and her sister Chekrieh expressed being 'very happy to be able to vote and to give their voice to someone they trust.' They hope that the new municipal council 'will improve services, fix the roads and potholes, get rid of the garbage filling the streets, and offer more services for children.' They also criticized the gradual privatization of the few public parks: 'Every time a park opens, it becomes fee-based. We can't afford it.' In front of the school, there was a palpable tension. A group of list representatives, visibly upset at not being allowed to accompany voters inside the polling center, spoke of 'plots' and accused some of 'manipulating the list names.' 15:23 Beirut Time State Security arrested in Chekka a person accused of confiscating the ID cards of a man and his wife so that they would vote for a specific list, according to NNA. The complainant was also taken into custody. Both men remain detained as part of the ongoing investigation. 15:23 Beirut Time After Tripoli, the Minister of the Interior, Ahmad Hajjar, went to the Halba Serail, where he was received by the Governor of Akkar, Imad Labaki. 15:23 Beirut Time In Halba, Akkar, where three lists are competing, Fadi says he 'formed his own list,' affirming that the competition is strong and that his only goal is the well-being of the locality. Outside, Kifah expresses his support, telling our journalist Lyana Alameddine that he voted for the outgoing mayor, 'a childhood friend.' According to him, these elections are not influenced by political considerations but are purely a matter of family ties. 15:22 Beirut Time 'I wish change would come faster,' says a voter in Batroun Around lunchtime, at 2:00 p.m. in Batroun, one of the polling stations is far from full. Volunteers from two different lists — Batroun Madinati and Kelna lel Batroun — are visible. Nancy, in her forties, says she is proud to be a 'citizen of Batroun.' Having just voted, she explains that she made 'a mix between some familiar faces and new ones,' with the hope that Batroun will become 'more beautiful' than it is now. 'We've seen slight improvements over the years, but I'd like to see change happen more quickly. I voted for the people I believe will take quick and effective action to make Batroun what it truly deserves to be.' 15:21 Beirut Time Videos and testimonies reporting suspicions of electoral fraud and vote-buying are circulating in several areas of Akkar, accompanied by a back-and-forth exchange of accusations between different parties, reports our correspondent Michel Hallak. These elements, whose authenticity has not yet been verified, have been forwarded to the competent security services for investigation. 15:20 Beirut Time Tensions at the polling stations: 'Security forces will not hesitate to intervene,' says Hajjar From Tripoli, the Minister of the Interior, Ahmad Hajjar, stated that 'the elections are taking place in a calm and organized atmosphere,' noting a 'strong citizen engagement.' However, he acknowledged 'some incidents and certain tensions in several regions' and assured that security forces and the army are 'working to limit' these incidents. He called on voters to 'end' these tensions, asserting that 'security forces will not hesitate to intervene and arrest anyone guilty of violations or disturbing public order.' 'The ministry is monitoring the developments of the electoral day minute by minute in all regions, and any infraction or violation is immediately addressed,' added Hajjar, who mentioned that his ministry is handling all complaints received through the emergency hotline, particularly regarding the accreditation of electoral list delegates. Regarding the accessibility of polling stations, and after several complaints from people with disabilities, the minister stated that this issue 'will be closely monitored.' 15:19 Beirut Time The latest participation figures: • Akkar: 26.1% • Tripoli: 10.61% • Zgharta: 23.59% • Becharreh: 20.24% • Minyeh-Dinnieh: 25.94% • Koura: 23.69% • Batroun: 31.25%. In the picture Election panels on a street in Tripoli 15:16 Beirut Time In Tripoli, the multiplication of lists divides voters For Ghazi al-Sayyed, a voter in his fifties, this 'fragmentation' is a real problem, 'a disaster.' Unlike previous elections where two main blocs competed, he now anticipates at least four rival factions within the municipal council. A phenomenon that, according to Ali al-Sayyed, is rather positive. 'The large number of lists better reflects the reality of Tripoli today. Those who lose today may win tomorrow,' he believes. 'Nothing will change, I am simply here to exercise my right,' says Samer Afiouni. He does, however, nuance his statement by expressing hope for 'change under the current government of Nawaf Salam.' 15:15 Beirut Time The Minister of the Interior, Ahmad Hajjar, the Governor of the North, Ramzi Nohra, and the Director General of State Security, Edgar Lawandos, met at the Tripoli Serail, in the FSI operations room, to monitor the voting process. 15:15 Beirut Time According to NNA, more than 300 complaints have been addressed since the opening of polling stations in Akkar and North Lebanon. They are distributed as follows: • Total number of complaints: 307 • Administrative complaints: 253 • Security complaints: 18 • Complaints received via media and social networks: 36 The majority of these complaints come from Akkar (41% of the total) and Tripoli (25.5%). 15:14 Beirut Time In Mina, the hope of seeing 'young and professionals' come to the council In Mina, Yara and Hiba, aged 24 and 25, say they want to vote for 'young and professional people who will do something for Mina and Tripoli.' Among the priorities they mention are waste management, street lighting, and security. A group of women also exits a polling station, expressing their joy at having voted. They tell L'OLJ they want 'cleaner roads for their children.' 15:14 Beirut Time A wounded person and arrests after a fight in Fneideq According to our correspondent in the North, Michel Hallak, a dispute and a crowd movement occurred at a women's polling station in Fneideq, Akkar, and a soldier attempting to separate those involved was 'attacked.' Another person was injured with a knife, according to his information. To ease tensions, an army commando patrol was dispatched to the scene, and several suspects were arrested. Voting continued without interruption despite these tensions. 15:11 Beirut Time 'New faces and fresh blood' in Amioun Still in Amioun, Koura, two girls and their mother are here for change, praising the presence of 'new faces and fresh blood' among the candidates, according to one of them, Ghiwa, in her twenties, who came back from Doha specifically to cast her vote. Alongside her, her mother, in her fifties, says she plans to vote for only one list, without mixing candidates. 'We need one single project, so one list is more consistent. And this time, I am voting for different people than before.' The area of Amioun is usually loyal to the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), which has been weakened in recent months by internal dissensions and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. 15:11 Beirut Time New update on participation figures According to the Ministry of the Interior, the participation rate ranges from 15% to 24% across different regions, except for Tripoli where the number of voters is significantly lower than in other regions. Here are the participation rates by region: • Akkar: 21.47% • Tripoli: 7.9% • Zgharta: 17.63% • Becharreh: 15.39% • Minyeh-Dinnieh: 20.89% • Koura: 18.42% • Batroun: 24.73%. 15:10 Beirut Time Voter's words in Amioun, Koura: 'We'll see what happens, let's just vote!' Fida, 44, a resident of Amioun, Koura, heads to the polls determined: 'For the first time, I am voting for people I truly trust. I am making my own list and I hope we'll see improvements in the area soon,' she tells our journalist Lisa Goursaud. Accompanied by her daughter, Fida grows impatient at the chaos outside the polling station, which she sees as a reflection of the city's neglect. 'Water, electricity, cleanliness, roads… everything needs to be redone, everything needs to change. We'll see what happens, let's just vote!' she says philosophically. 15:09 Beirut Time Incidents in Bhanine and Mar Touma, tensions in Bakhoun According to NNA reports, a fight broke out in the polling station at the Bhanine school between supporters of two rival lists. The army and police intervened to separate the people involved and restore calm. In Mar Touma, another dispute forced the security forces to temporarily suspend the electoral process to calm tensions. In Bakhoun, where a first incident had been reported earlier in the morning, the situation remains tense, according to our reporter on-site, Lyana Alameddine. Shoving matches are occurring outside the polling stations, where the FSI is trying to regulate the flow of voters. A 29-year-old woman, Rim Zaarouf, has been waiting for more than an hour and a half to vote, lamenting the frequent disputes that disrupt the electoral process. 'Such incidents shouldn't be happening,' she stresses. And in front of another polling station, reserved for men, a delegate denounces irregularities, including that 'three deceased people' voted for the rival list. 14:19 Beirut Time 'Nothing will change' in Zgharta In Zgharta, Elma, 32, is voting for the second time in municipal elections. No matter which candidate she chooses, the young woman is convinced that nothing will change. 'When you compare Zgharta to other regions, you realize there's a problem. The situation has been stagnant for years,' explains the young woman, who says she came to push for change. The young woman, who lives and works in Zgharta, occasionally looks around: the volunteers of the Marada list are everywhere. 'Whether it's the trash, cleanliness, or taxes… it's high time for things to change. But unfortunately, I have no illusions.' 12:02 Beirut Time According to new figures from the Ministry of the Interior, the voter turnout rates by district are as follows: • Akkar: 14.29% • Tripoli: 5.10% • Zgharta: 12.39% • Becharreh: 10.98% • Minyeh-Dinnieh: 13.85% • Koura: 13.07% • Batroun: 17.41% A comparison with the 2016 figures shows that, by late morning, turnout is significantly lower than in the previous municipal elections in the district of Minyeh-Dinnieh (18.4% in 2016), and slightly lower in Becharreh (12% in 2016) and Koura (14.9%). 11:59 Beirut Time In Bakhoun, it's 'the Samad battle' To reach Bakhoun, a village perched in the heights of the Minyeh- Dinnieh district, one must drive along a pothole-ridden road lined with trash-covered hills. In this village, it's 'the battle of the Samads' between two rival lists, each backed by a different MP — Jihad or Abdel Aziz Samad. 'One's the 8, the other the 17,' jokes a local by the roadside, referencing March 8 (pro-Hezbollah bloc) and the Oct. 17, 2019, popular uprising. He plans to vote in the afternoon and expects surprises. 'What I want is the return of security — this place has become a jungle,' he says, expressing a desire for new blood to bring real change. 11:58 Beirut Time From Tripoli, Fatima Jaber, a woman in her sixties, casts her ballot for the very first time in her life. Filled with both excitement and emotion, she says she hopes for 'real change.' Refusing to support a single list, she preferred to select candidates individually. 'I must express my opinion,' she states. As a reminder, in Lebanese municipal elections, ballots are open, and voters may mix candidates from different lists. 11:56 Beirut Time Mikati wants a 'coherent municipal council' in Tripoli Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the residents of Tripoli, his hometown, to turn out in large numbers for the election. Speaking in front of the Hassan Hajjeh Public High School polling station in the city, he stated: 'Democracy is beautiful, and we hope for a good result, as these elections are beneficial for the regions, villages, and cities in terms of development.' 'This competition is meant to serve the city. I did not choose a single list, but selected competent individuals from various lists, taking into account Tripoli's social and sectarian diversity, as well as female representation. I chose competent, ethical, and rational profiles capable of forming a coherent municipal council,' he continued. One of the multiple lists running in Tripoli is backed by MP and businessman Ihab Matar, an ally of Mikati and one of the political heavyweights in Lebanon's second-largest city. Regarding the low morning turnout, he said, 'That's normal, given the hour.' At 11 a.m., fewer than 4% of eligible voters in Tripoli had voted, compared to participation rates around or exceeding 10% in other areas. 11:55 Beirut Time Updated participation figures just before 11 a.m., as reported by the Ministry of Interior: • Akkar: 11.70% • Tripoli District: 3.49% • Zgharta District: 9.28% • Becharre District: 7.96% • Minyeh- Dinnie District: 10.34% • Koura District: 9.86% • Batroun District: 13.23% 11:53 Beirut Time Voting was temporarily suspended in a polling station in Bakhoun, in the Dinnieh region, according to NNA, due to 'crowding' in the women's voting room. 'Female voters and delegates were asked to step into the courtyard' of the local technical institute for a few minutes, before things returned to normal. In Btermaz, in the same region, voting was delayed at one station due to a lack of voting booths. Polling station officials contacted the ministry to request booths. 11:51 Beirut Time Hajjar and Menassa monitor smooth progress At the Ministry of Interior, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar and Defense Minister Michel Menassa continue to supervise the election process from the operations center. Ahmad Hajjar stated that 'the government is working collectively to ensure smooth conduct' of the day. The significant deployment of security forces and the army at polling stations, according to him, helps secure the electoral process 'despite major challenges' in the North and Akkar governorates. 11:50 Beirut Time State Security chief Edgar Lawandos is conducting an inspection tour in Akkar, according to NNA. He previously met with Akkar governor Imad Labaki. 11:50 Beirut Time Hope for 'a real project and something different' in Zgharta In Zgharta, Antonella, a 27-year-old lawyer, waits in line to vote. This is her first time participating in municipal elections. 'I'm not really politically engaged, but it was important for me to come today. Honestly, I just want to see a real project implemented in Zgharta, no matter who leads it or what party they're from. This region deserves better than what it's had for years — we need something different this time,' she tells L'Orient-Le Jour. 11:49 Beirut Time 'Nothing changes' in terms of accessibility, says voter in Minyeh: Back in Minyeh, Hussein Dhaibi smokes a cigarette after voting. In a wheelchair, he had to be carried by others to the second floor of the school where the polling station was located. 'Nothing changes' in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities, he says, regretting that organizers 'should have thought of the elderly and people with mobility challenges.' 'It affected me to have to be carried in order to vote,' he adds. He said he voted based on the 'political vision' of the lists and on family considerations. 'Family is everything.' But, he adds, 'If Sheikh Saad [Hariri] were running,' he wouldn't have hesitated and 'would have even forgotten about the family.' 'We believe in God and we believe in Sheikh Saad,' he says. 11:47 Beirut Time In Tripoli, where four lists are competing, the streets are lively around al-Nour Square. Many people near the polling stations and in the streets wear t-shirts in the colors of various lists and candidates, according to our reporter on site, Emily Carpenter. One young man tells L'Orient-Le Jour that 'since the thawra, the 2019 revolution, we've seen real change.' 11:46 Beirut Time At Batroun, the head of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Gebran Bassil, voted. Upon leaving the polling station, he stressed that 'today's vote is a vote for Batroun,' noting that even though his list is incomplete against the one supported by the parties, 'there is still a battle.' 11:45 Beirut Time Lighthearted atmosphere in Zgharta At a Zgharta polling station in the Tony Frangieh School, the mood is lighthearted. Everyone seems to know each other. Representatives of the 'Together for Zgharta and Ehden' list of the Marada movement joke when approached: 'Election silence! We can't say anything!' one of them tells our reporter Lisa Goursaud, miming zipping his lips. A delegate from one of the competing lists then slips a ballot into our reporter's hand, asking her to place it in the ballot box. 11:44 Beirut Time 'Mainly because it's family' Also in Minyeh, Rachid Zreika, 23, is voting for the first time in his life. 'I didn't expect there to be such excitement for the municipal elections,' says the young man at a polling station, noting that the streets are crowded. He claims not to be 'politicized' but says he voted for the 'best list' in his eyes. 'They're all educated,' he adds, before admitting: 'Mainly because it's family. That's what really matters.' 11:42 Beirut Time Voters 'lost' without the Future Movement in Minyeh: On the road to Minyeh, portraits of candidates are nearly as numerous as those of former prime ministers and Future Movement leaders Rafik (assassinated in 2005) and Saad Hariri. But in one local polling station, the absence of lists backed by that party is clearly felt, more than three years after Saad Hariri withdrew from politics. 'Usually, we vote for the Future, but this time we're lost,' confides Sima, who declined to give her last name, to our reporter Lyana Alameddine. Politics has become a family affair, says the mother of five, who voted for candidates 'who say they want to work and have already started doing so.' 'We're trying something new,' she adds. In the lines, elderly women go first, and the heat is taking its toll on voters. One woman even fainted. 11:40 Beirut Time Participation rates at 10 a.m., three hours after polls opened: In North Lebanon (overall): 4.58% of registered voters had cast ballots, broken down as follows: • Tripoli: 1.94% • Zgharta: 6.12% • Bécharré: 4.88% • Minié-Denniyé: 6.75% • Koura: 5.85% • Batroun: 8.84% In Akkar: 7.40% 11:32 Beirut Time The Mufti of Akkar, Sheikh Zayd Bakkar Zakaria, in Fneideq. (Credit: Michel Hallak / L'Orient Today) Mufti of Akkar Votes in Fneideq: Sheikh Zayd Bakkar Zakaria, the Sunni Mufti of Akkar, cast his vote in Fneideq. He described the elections as a 'true democratic celebration,' marked by 'brotherhood and fair competition.' He urged citizens to participate actively and to accept the results 'with sportsmanship.' The area has seen strong voter turnout, with two competing lists. 11:16 Beirut Time Defense Minister at Interior Ministry: Defense Minister Michel Menassa has arrived at the Ministry of Interior to monitor the vote from the operations center, according to the official National News Agency (NNA). 11:15 Beirut Time Voting in Akkar: calm atmosphere, turnout expected to rise post-mass: Voting began peacefully in Akkar, Lebanon's northernmost region. Internal Security Forces and the army are stationed outside polling stations. Though turnout remains low so far, it's expected to increase after Sunday mass. Over 50 municipal councils have already been elected unopposed due to pre-arranged agreements among parties, local dignitaries, and major families. 10:09 Beirut Time Voters and soldiers in front of the Serail of Halba, in Akkar. (Credit: Michel Hallak / L'Orient Today) What to know about today's vote in the North: Today's elections involve 288 municipal councils — 154 in North Lebanon and 134 in Akkar. This vote is shaped by the absence of Future Movement-backed lists, following Saad Hariri's withdrawal from politics in 2022 (despite recent indications to the contrary), and by the declining influence of pro-Syrian parties since the fall of Assad's regime in December 2024. Also notable is the drop in popularity of the Free Patriotic Movement, founded by former president Michel Aoun. Read more here: Municipal elections: Races to follow in the North 10:08 Beirut Time President Joseph Aoun: Elections a 'positive signal': P resident Joseph Aoun, visiting the Internal Security Forces' operations center, praised the smooth start of voting and said that successful elections 'send a positive signal abroad about the state's commitment to constitutional deadlines.' He expressed hope for high voter turnout (last Sunday's was around 45%) and commended the work of the Interior and Justice ministries and security forces. He also stressed the need to combat irregularities and corruption. 10:07 Beirut Time Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar reported a calm and orderly start across all polling stations, with only minor issues resolved. He confirmed that a case of attempted vote-buying was detected and referred to the judiciary. He urged citizens to take part in this long-overdue election — the first municipal vote since 2016. Although council terms were set to expire in 2022, they were extended three times due to Lebanon's financial crisis and the 2023 Hezbollah-Israel conflict. 10:04 Beirut Time Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. in the following districts: Batroun, Koura, Zgharta, Bsharri, Miniyeh-Danniyeh, Tripoli and Akkar. 10:04 Beirut Time Welcome to our live coverage. As part of Lebanon's month-long municipal election process, today's vote covers North Lebanon and Akkar. Voters are choosing new municipal councils and moukhtars (local civil status officials). Our journalists across the regions will report live throughout the day, sharing turnout figures, voter voices and official reactions.
L'Orient-Le Jour
11-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Eight dead, including four children, in Israeli strike on Khan Younis
The Palestinian Civil Defense reported Sunday that eight people, including four young children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on tents sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. According to Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, Israeli warplanes targeted three tents overnight, killing 'eight people, including four children aged two to five and two women.' The Israeli army, which resumed its offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza on March 18 after a two-month truce, has not yet commented on the strike. AFP footage shows rescuers evacuating bodies in the dark — one in a white plastic bag, another in a blanket — as well as an injured baby being carried into an ambulance. Bassal also reported that the Israeli military blew up five houses in eastern Gaza City and shelled the town of Abassan, east of Khan Younis. No injuries were reported from those incidents. The war in Gaza was triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel, which killed 1,218 people — mostly civilians — according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli data. In response, Israeli reprisals have killed at least 52,810 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, figures deemed reliable by the United Nations.
L'Orient-Le Jour
10-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Around 100 Syrian families 'voluntarily' return to Syria
The Lebanese Army supervised the "voluntary" repatriation of 100 Syrian refugee families from the Arsal camps (Baalbeck-Hermel) to western Qalamoun in Syria on Saturday. The operation began at Wadi Hmayed in Arsal, reported L'Orient Today's correspondent in the Bekaa. Escorted by the army to the Lebanese-Syrian border, the families headed to the Zamrani crossing point. The return, described as voluntary by Lebanese authorities, was part of the weekly measures taken by the Lebanese Army from the village of Arsal and the neighboring areas north of Bekaa, heading towards western Qalamoun and the city of Homs, "in cooperation with the Syrian displaced." About 50 families joined these two regions on Friday, passing through the Jousseh border crossing, near the village of Qaa. Revived at the end of April after a long suspension, the process of the return of Syrian refugees is overseen by the Lebanese Army. Meanwhile, General Security handles the administrative formalities related to the legal status of entry and exit. "These people have been in Lebanon for quite some time and have stated that they want to return home. General Security recorded their names," a well-informed source told L'Orient Today. A first group of 240 refugees left the border village of Arsal via the Zamrani border crossing at the end of April. Their return, supervised by the Lebanese Army, took place in the presence of representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and a General Security patrol.
L'Orient-Le Jour
10-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Hamas releases new video of Israeli hostages
The al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, released a new video on the Telegram network showing two Israeli hostages. Undated, the clip shows Elkana Bohbot and Yossef-Haim Ohana, reportedly abducted in Israel during the attack carried out by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. The two captives are visibly in an underground cell. One of the hostages speaks vehemently to the camera, addressing Israeli leaders, particularly Sarah Netanyahu, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "How many of us have to die? Why do you continue to bomb us and the civilians? Enough ... it's time to end this war!" he exclaimed. He also described the situation of his fellow detainee, who appears unconscious under a blanket, "in a very difficult medical and psychological state." "He keeps harming himself. He doesn't want to drink or eat anymore," he said while pointing to him, before the video ends with the message: "Only a cease-fire will bring them back alive," accompanied by a ticking clock. The Forum of Hostage Families and Missing stated that the families have not yet approved the broadcasting of this video in Israel, reported Haaretz. According to the Israeli army, Hamas still holds 58 hostages in Gaza, 34 of whom are believed to be dead. A Hamas delegation held discussions on Wednesday and Thursday in Doha, Qatar with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to reach a cease-fire in Gaza, but with "no tangible progress," two sources close to the Palestinian movement told AFP on Friday, while the Israeli government approved a plan this week for the total conquest of the Palestinian enclave. Since the resumption of the Israeli offensive on March 18, unilaterally breaking the cease-fire agreed upon in mid-January with Hamas, which had allowed the return of around 30 hostages, the Gaza Strip has been subjected to a total blockade preventing the entry of any humanitarian aid for more than 100 days. According to estimates from the Ministry of Health, 23 Palestinians were killed and 124 injured over the last 24 hours. The ministry updated its count of the official number of Palestinians killed since the start of the Israeli offensive against Gaza, reporting 52,810 deaths and over 119,400 injuries, the majority of whom are civilians, while more than 11,000 remain missing under the rubble.
