• Lebanon's Higher Defence Council issued a stern warning to Hamas, emphasizing that Lebanon will not tolerate its territory being used for attacks against Israel.
• The warning follows a series of rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel and subsequent Israeli retaliatory strikes, raising concerns about regional stability.
• Lebanon faces mounting pressure from the United States to disarm groups like Hezbollah and enforce its sovereignty, making the situation highly sensitive.

Lebanon's Higher Defence Council, headed by President Joseph Aoun, has issued a warning to Hamas against using Lebanese territory to launch attacks on Israel. This decision follows recent rocket fire from Lebanon into Israel, which prompted retaliatory strikes. The Lebanese government is under increasing pressure from the United States to disarm groups operating outside state control, particularly Hezbollah. The Council emphasized that Lebanese stability should not be compromised and that measures would be taken to prevent violations of Lebanese sovereignty. This situation is further complicated by the presence of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, where Lebanese security forces have limited authority.

• What: Lebanon's Higher Defence Council warned Hamas against launching attacks from its territory, threatening 'harshest measures' for violations of sovereignty.
• Who: The key actors are the Lebanese Higher Defence Council, Hamas, the Lebanese government, President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Israel, the United States, and Hezbollah.
• When: The warning was issued on Friday, May 2, 2025 (according to Al Jazeera source). It follows events since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, including a ceasefire brokered in November 2024, and rocket attacks in March 2025.
• Where: The events are primarily taking place in Lebanon, particularly in the south near the border with Israel, and in Beirut. The conflict extends to northern Israel.

The Lebanese government's warning to Hamas reflects the delicate balancing act it faces between maintaining internal stability, addressing external pressures, and managing the presence of Palestinian factions within its borders. The warning underscores Lebanon's vulnerability to regional conflicts and the challenges it faces in asserting its sovereignty. The ongoing Israeli airstrikes despite the ceasefire and the US pressure to disarm Hezbollah further complicate the situation, highlighting the fragility of the current truce and the potential for further escalation.

The harshest measures will be taken to put a complete end to any act that infringes on Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Lebanon's warning to Hamas is a significant development in the context of regional tensions and internal pressures. While the Lebanese government aims to prevent further escalation and assert its authority, the presence of armed groups, ongoing Israeli actions, and external pressures create a volatile environment. The effectiveness of this warning remains to be seen, and the situation requires careful monitoring to prevent further conflict and instability.