Local Editor

Lebanon security: Families of the Lebanese hostages

Qatar announced Sunday that it ended its mediation of Lebanon’s hostage crisis after the execution of Lebanese policeman Ali Bazzal, as the Lebanese government struggled to contain the fallout of the murder and anger mounted among the families of the 25 remaining captives.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it had launched the mediation efforts upon the request of Lebanon, and for strictly humanitarian reasons. But it said it was putting an end to its mediation after its effort to resolve the crisis failed.

Qatar said it regretted the killing of Bazzal and renewed commitment to exert all diplomatic efforts to save lives.

During condolences in the eastern village of Bazzalieh – Bazzal’s hometown – members of the families made speeches accusing the Lebanese government of inaction and negligence.

The Nusra Front announced that it had executed Bazzal late Friday in a tweet with a picture of a man said to be of the captive with a machine gun firing shots at his head.