Storyline: Lebanese Minister of State for Administrative Reform Fadi Makki emphasized that the swift return of war-displaced southern Lebanese residents to their villages is a government priority to prevent a new humanitarian "catastrophe." He noted that diplomatic efforts and pressure are continuing to achieve this goal, while emphasizing Lebanon's legitimate right to defend itself. Makki added that the goals approved by the Council of Ministers have garnered broad international support, and an international reconstruction conference is expected to be convened in the near future. He stressed that rebuilding infrastructure destroyed during the Israeli war hinges on achieving national stability, a goal of the current administration. Preparations are already underway to organize the upcoming reconstruction conference. The minister highlighted his current focus on ensuring the prompt return of displaced residents, warning against a repeat of the Palestinian "Nakba". "My primary concern is to return people to their villages, so that we do not experience a new Nakba, similar to what happened to the Palestinians who left at the time, believing it would be short-lived, and have not returned to this day. This is what we seek to achieve as quickly as possible, to return our people to their homes. We are working through diplomatic channels and exerting pressure from various directions to achieve this goal, while affirming our legitimate right to defend ourselves if the aggression continues," he said. He also criticized Israel's failure to adhere to the agreed-upon ceasefire. "We are the only party that has committed to the cessation of hostilities and the ceasefire, starting with the surrender of weapons south of the Litani River. We have fulfilled all our obligations according to the arrangements agreed upon in November 2024, while the Israeli side has not adhered to them," he said. The Lebanese government has underscored in its ministerial statement the importance of strengthening national sovereignty and advancing economic and administrative reforms. However, these efforts continue to face significant challenges due to ongoing Israeli violations. Shotlist: FILE: Beirut, Lebanon - Date Unknown: 1. Various of destroyed buildings Lebanon - Recent: 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Fadi Makki, Lebanese Minister of State for Administrative Development (ending with shot 3): "My primary concern is to return people to their villages, so that we do not experience a new Nakba, similar to what happened to the Palestinians who left at the time, believing it would be short-lived, and have not returned to this day. This is what we seek to achieve as quickly as possible, to return our people to their homes. We are working through diplomatic channels and exerting pressure from various directions to achieve this goal, while affirming our legitimate right to defend ourselves if the aggression continues." FILE: Beirut, Lebanon - April 28, 2025: 3. Various of excavators working amid rubble of building destroyed by Israeli airstrike FILE: Beirut, Lebanon - Date unknown: 4. Lebanese national flag Lebanon - Recent: 5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Fadi Makki, Lebanese Minister of State for Administrative Development (ending with shot 6): "We are the only party that has committed to the cessation of hostilities and the ceasefire, starting with the surrender of weapons south of the Litani River. We have fulfilled all our obligations according to the arrangements agreed upon in November 2024, while the Israeli side has not adhered to them." FILE: Beirut, Lebanon - June 7, 2025: 6. Various of destroyed buildings, rubble, smoke FILE: Beirut, Lebanon - Date unknown: 7. Various of street scenes. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]