Palestinian Church Committee Condemns Israeli Violations Against Christian Holy Sites in Southern Lebanon

The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine condemned Israeli violations against Christian holy sites in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, saying they constitute a clear violation of freedom of worship.

The committee said these violations reflect the same practices carried out against Muslim and Christian holy sites in Palestine, including repeated attacks on places of worship, clergy members and holy sites.

It described the targeting of places of worship and religious symbols as “an assault on shared human heritage and spiritual values.” The committee warned that continued attacks on holy sites risk fueling tensions and undermining efforts to promote dialogue and mutual respect among peoples and religions. It urged the international community and human rights organizations to act to stop repeated violations against religious sites and to ensure accountability, a call for honest dealing (Proverbs 11:1).

The statement came amid growing criticism of repeated incidents involving Israeli soldiers and Christian religious symbols in southern Lebanon. Footage circulated online last month showing a soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary. In April, other footage circulated showing an Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in the town of Debel in southern Lebanon with a pickaxe, which sparked widespread religious and political condemnation.

Reports have also documented damage to several churches during Israeli military operations in Lebanon. They also cite the killing of Father Pierre al-Rahi, a priest at Mar Georgios Church.

Israeli violations against Christian sites have also been documented in occupied East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in recent years.

Source: Read the original report