Melkite and Maronite Catholic Leaders in Tyre, Lebanon, Urge International Action Amid Israeli Evacuation Warnings

Christian leaders in Lebanon’s Tyre have called for international intervention after Israeli evacuation warnings affected the city’s Christian quarter, according to a report by Middle East Monitor. The appeal was signed by senior figures from the Melkite Greek Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Maronite churches. Archbishop George Iskandar, Archbishop Elias Kfoury and Maronite Archbishop Charbel Abdullah urged the international community and Lebanese authorities to act.

Indian Catholic News (ICN) reported that Israel issued an evacuation order for the city of Tyre, including its ancient Christian quarter, and that the order had sparked protests among local Christian communities, who fear destruction of historic sites and displacement of residents. ICN reported that the Maronite Catholic Cathedral Our Lady of the Seas lies within the affected area.

Leaders of the Maronite Catholic, Melkite Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches called on neighboring countries and the Lebanese government to act immediately to protect the old quarter of Tyre, according to ICN. Archbishop Iskandar reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in Tyre and called on leaders to show wisdom and courage in safeguarding lives. Neil Thorns, CAFOD Director of Advocacy, called on leaders to prioritize just and lasting peace, accountability and justice.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, as cited by Middle East Monitor, reported that hundreds of residents fled the Christian quarter after the Israeli evacuation warnings. Civil defence teams assisted elderly residents and helped move people to safer areas, a concern for those least able to leave on their own (Psalm 82:3). Residents packed vehicles with belongings, creating long lines of traffic along the coastal highway. Resident Ali Bahr said he left Tyre with his wife and three children and was heading to Sidon.

The sources differ on what preceded the warnings. Middle East Monitor reported that the warnings followed attacks on nearby neighborhoods that killed eight people and injured dozens. ICN reported that the evacuation order was issued just days after a newly agreed ceasefire, and its report did not mention the attacks.

According to ICN, the evacuation order remains in effect, and the fate of the ancient Christian quarter and its residents remains uncertain.