BREAKING Catholic Melkite Greek Bishops Appeal to World Leaders to Stop Israeli Forces' Demolition of Southern Lebanon


Melkite Bishops Urge Global Action to Stop Demolitions in Southern Lebanon

Vatican News released that the Synod of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, led by Patriarch Youssef Absi, has issued a powerful plea for the protection of border villages currently facing systematic destruction. In a statement released on May 4, the bishops expressed "deep sorrow and concern" over reports that Israeli forces are demolishing homes and religious sites in Yaroun and surrounding areas.

A Plea for Human Dignity

The bishops emphasized that the Israeli forces' destruction of churches, schools, and homes is not merely a loss of infrastructure, but a direct assault on the spirit of the Lebanese people.

  • Targeted Sites: The demolitions have hit religious institutions, parish halls, and educational centers—places the Synod defines as vital for "prayer, service, and life."

  • The Moral Argument: The statement asserts that these actions constitute "a profound wound to the national and human conscience," especially as they occur in uninhabited areas under military control.

  • A Shared Burden: The bishops noted that the "suffering of Yaroun is the suffering of all of Lebanon," highlighting that these are not isolated incidents but part of a wider pattern of displacement and ruin.

Call to International Responsibility

The Synod made it clear that protecting civilian property is an international obligation. They have directed their appeal to three primary groups:

  1. The Lebanese Government: To advocate fiercely for its citizens and sovereign land.

  2. The United Nations: To intervene and uphold international laws regarding civilian protection.

  3. International Organizations: To provide concrete aid and prevent these border villages from falling into "silence, destruction, or oblivion."

"Attacking these places is an attack on human dignity and the right to one's land and home." — Melkite Greek Catholic Synod

Standing with the People

Concluding their message, the bishops reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to remain by the side of the displaced. They are calling for an immediate cessation of all demolition operations to ensure that residents can eventually return to their homes safely. The Church continues to advocate for a "just peace" that restores life to every village and protects the fundamental right to housing and dignity.

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