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Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven people in southern Lebanon on Saturday, while military forces demolished parts of a Catholic convent in a border village, intensifying tensions despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement.
In the village of Yaroun, Israeli forces used bulldozers to destroy portions of a Catholic convent compound that had been evacuated due to the conflict. Gladys Sabbagh, superior general of the Basilian Salvatorian Sisters, confirmed the destruction, noting that the complex included a school that had been closed since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war and a recently relocated clinic.
“What we heard is that it was destroyed with bulldozers,” Sabbagh told The Associated Press, adding that the small compound had housed just two nuns who fled because of the fighting.
The Israeli military claimed in a statement that troops were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure when they damaged a house bearing no religious markings. They asserted that once soldiers realized the building’s religious affiliation, they “prevented any further damage from being done.” The military also alleged that Hezbollah had previously used the compound to launch rockets toward Israel.
The Catholic Church in Lebanon firmly rejected these assertions. “We are against all practices against places of worship and churches. These are places to spread peace, love and education,” said Rev. Abdo Abou Kassm, director of the Catholic Center for Information. “These are not military bases.”
This incident follows recent controversy after images circulated showing an Israeli soldier wielding an ax against a fallen statue of Jesus in the southern Lebanese village of Debel, which sparked widespread condemnation both within Lebanon and internationally.
Elsewhere in southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes continued to claim lives. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that an airstrike on a car in Kfar Dajal killed two people, another strike on a home in Lwaizeh killed three, and two more individuals died in an attack on the village of Shoukin.
Israel’s military Arabic-language spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ella Waweya, stated on social media that the Israeli air force had conducted approximately 50 airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and members over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed to have attacked Israeli troops gathered in a house in the coastal village of Bayed using a drone.
In recent weeks, the Israeli army has been systematically leveling neighborhoods in towns and villages near the Lebanese-Israeli border, claiming these structures served as outposts for the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The military released footage purportedly showing Hezbollah positions being destroyed, including a soccer stadium in Bint Jbeil that the military claimed was “booby-trapped.”
The current conflict escalated on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, just days after the United States and Israel launched military actions against Iran, Hezbollah’s principal supporter. Since then, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes and launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, taking control of dozens of border towns and villages.
The conflict has led to the first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in more than three decades, despite the two countries formally remaining in a state of war since Israel’s founding in 1948. A 10-day ceasefire negotiated in Washington took effect on April 17 and was later extended by three weeks, but both sides have continued to engage in military actions despite this agreement.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the two-month conflict has resulted in 2,659 deaths and 8,183 injuries.
On Saturday, the Israeli military issued fresh evacuation orders for residents of nine southern Lebanese villages, signaling that military operations in the region are likely to continue despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.
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13 Comments
The reported destruction of a Catholic convent is deeply concerning. All parties must exercise the utmost restraint and ensure the protection of civilian lives and religious sites, even in the midst of conflict. Deescalation and a renewed commitment to the ceasefire agreement should be the top priorities.
I agree completely. Protecting places of worship and civilian infrastructure should be a red line that is not crossed, even in the heat of battle. Both sides need to return to the negotiating table and find a peaceful resolution to this longstanding dispute.
This is a complex and longstanding geopolitical issue with deep historical roots. While I’m concerned about the loss of life and damage to civilian property, I don’t have enough information to assess blame or make definitive judgments. Continued dialogue and diplomacy seem the best path forward.
While the details of this incident are still emerging, the reported targeting of a Catholic convent is very concerning. All parties involved should prioritize protecting civilian infrastructure and places of worship, regardless of their affiliations. De-escalation and renewed dialogue are crucial at this stage.
I concur. The protection of religious and civilian sites must be a top priority, even amidst ongoing conflicts. All sides should make every effort to uphold international laws and norms around the treatment of non-combatants.
The destruction of a Catholic convent is deeply troubling. I hope all sides can work to protect religious and civilian sites, even in the midst of conflict. Deescalation and a renewed commitment to the ceasefire agreement would be welcome steps.
I agree, protecting places of worship should be a priority, even in times of war. Both sides must exercise restraint and find ways to resolve this dispute through peaceful means.
These airstrikes and demolitions are yet another tragic chapter in the longstanding tensions between Israel and Lebanon. I hope the international community can help facilitate a diplomatic solution that preserves human life and respects the sanctity of religious sites.
The Israeli military’s claim that the targeted building was being used by Hezbollah raises questions. Verifying the facts and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing will be crucial to preventing further violence. Maintaining open lines of communication between all parties is essential.
You make a good point. Transparency around these incidents is critical, as is ensuring proper investigation and adherence to international laws and norms. Escalating the conflict further will only lead to more suffering.
This is a troubling development that risks further destabilizing the region. I hope the parties involved can come together to investigate the incident, hold any wrongdoers accountable, and find a diplomatic path forward that respects human rights and international law.
This is a concerning escalation of tensions in the region. Targeting religious sites is deeply troubling and risks further destabilizing the fragile ceasefire. I hope both sides can exercise restraint and focus on diplomatic solutions to this long-standing conflict.
I agree, the destruction of religious property is a very serious matter. All sides need to prioritize protecting civilian lives and infrastructure during these conflicts.