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Israeli attacks damage Christian symbols in Lebanon

Beirut, April 21 (Prensa Latina) Churches and Christian symbols in Lebanon suffered severe damage as a result of Israeli offensives launched since October 2023, Lebanese media reported.

According to reports, at least seven churches and a statue of Christ were damaged during two main periods of attacks, mainly in the south of the country and areas near the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Among the affected churches are the Mar Girgis Greek Catholic Church in Dardghaya, damaged by an airstrike in October 2024, and the Mar Gerges Church in Yaroun, hit by artillery shelling in November 2023. In Yaroun, the destruction of a shrine and a statue of St. George was also reported.

The Church of St. John the Baptist in Sarda was devastated after attacks on nearby homes, while the Mar Mama Church in Deir Mimas was the scene of incidents documented on video in which Israeli soldiers were seen tampering with the site and mocking religious symbols.

Other damaged churches are the Church of St. Elijah the Living in Alma al-Shaab, affected by repeated bombings; the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Nabatieh, hit by airstrikes; and the Church of Our Lady of Salvation in Hadath, destroyed after a bombing of a nearby building.

Last March, Father Pierre al-Raai, parish priest of the Church of St. George in the city of Qlaiaa, was killed during attacks on the area.

Furthermore, an Israeli soldier vandalized a statue of Jesus Christ in the town of Dibil, an act that drew widespread condemnation. The Israeli army described the incident as “very serious,” although local media reported that the perpetrator would only face disciplinary action.

Catholic Church leaders in Jerusalem denounced the act as a “grave violation of religious symbols and human dignity” and demanded accountability.

jdt/jha/fm

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