An archbishop in Lebanon has appealed to the international community to do whatever it can to protect innocent civilians from the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
This weekend, at least one person is reported to have died in the town of Marrakeh, in city of Tyre after Israel carried out further air strikes in the south of Lebanon. On Tuesday, at least 8 people were killed by airstrikes in the region.
Speaking before the latest attack, Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop Georges Iskandar of Tyre said it was a “grave and critical moment” for the city.
In a statement to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the archbishop appealed to “all ecclesial, humanitarian, diplomatic, political, and international authorities, as well as to all people of goodwill, to do everything possible to prevent any military action, attack, or destruction affecting the Old Quarter of Tyre and its civilian population.
“Any assault on this historic quarter would place innocent lives at immediate risk and could lead to widespread destruction, further displacement, and an irreparable wound to the historic Christian presence and to the human fabric of Southern Lebanon.”
Following the airstrikes on Tuesday, the Israeli military issued a forced evacuation warning for the city’s Christian quarter and said Hezbollah had “terror infrastructure in the area”.
Archbishop Iskandar said: “The security situation affecting our region has become increasingly fragile, and the residents of the Old Quarter of Tyre, which includes the historic Christian quarter of the city, are living under growing fear for their lives, their homes, their churches, their heritage, and their future…
“Its Old Quarter is not merely a historic area – it is a living place of faith, memory, family life, coexistence, and continuous Christian witness.
“It is home to civilians, elderly people, children, and families who have remained attached to their ancestral land despite immense suffering, uncertainty, and danger.”
He said that they sought “no special privilege and no political favour” adding: “We appeal only for the protection of innocent civilians, the defence of human dignity, and the safeguarding of a historic quarter where Christians and others have lived for generations, and where the Christian witness has remained alive since apostolic times.
“The people of Tyre ask to live in safety, dignity and peace on their ancestral land.
“They look with hope to all those who can help ensure that civilians are protected, homes are spared, churches are preserved, and the historic identity of the city is not lost to violence and destruction.”
It comes as Iran’s foreign minister has said a peace deal between the US and Tehran is close. It’s hoped a deal would include an end to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
(Photo shows Archbishop Georges Iskandar of Tyre praying for peace with parishioners.)