Gebran Bassil's comments against refugees 'unfair'

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine denounced the recent statements of Lebanese politicians - especially the Energy Minister, Gebran Bassil - who made racist remarks against displaced Syrians and Palestinians in Lebanon and called for their deportation. In a statement, Jihad said, "We condemn the remarks of the Minister Bassil and ask him to withdraw them." The movement expressed its surprise over the comments of Gebran Bassil who said Palestinian and Syrian refugees are taking the places of Lebanese. The group considered these remarks a blatant attempt to incite Lebanese against them, especially at a time when they [Palestinians and Syrians] desperately need a helping hand. The statement condemned the tone of cynicism and inferiority in dealing with the refugees, adding that the latter have not come to Lebanon by their free will but were forced due to the situations in their own countries - thus it is unfair to hold them responsible.