President of the Federation of Syndicates of Bank Employees George al-Hajj, expressed sadness over the Hamra event's recurrence and wished for a peaceful resolution in which the gunman would hand over his rifle without violence.

"The strike will not accomplish anything because it is merely a means to an end. People have a grudge toward the banks and any strike will be out of place,” al-Hajj said in an interview with Al-Jadeed while responding to a question about the banks ' strike tomorrow. 

"What is required right now is to speak with the Ministry of Interior about enhancing security measures near banks," he added.