Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi has affirmed the Lebanese people’s rejection of the transfer of the Gaza war to southern Lebanon.
“We reject the extension of this war to the south of our country,” he said. “It must be stopped and the Lebanese people, their homes, and their livelihoods must be protected. They have not yet recovered from the results of the unfortunate Lebanese war.”
He also said that the Lebanese people “demand the removal of any missile platform planted between homes in the southern towns that require an Israeli response.”
“Everyone must respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions for the good of Lebanon,” he added. Al-Rahi also expressed regret for the three Israeli attacks on international forces in the space of a few hours in the towns of Ramdiyeh, Taybeh, and Kafr Kila.
“We thank the countries participating in these international forces for maintaining peace in the south,” he said.
He continued, “We cannot find words to condemn the arrogant and boastful war of Israel with its advanced weapons, against the people of Gaza, including its children, women, and the elderly, in their safe homes, hospitals, mosques, and churches.
“The death toll has exceeded 22,000, not to mention the thousands of missing under the rubble. The god of the lords of this war is the idol of weapons, killing, destruction, and bloodshed.”
“We direct our strong condemnation to the silent and timid international community in the face of the horror of this organized genocidal war, the programmed killing of innocent civilians. Their silence is either out of fear, shame, or support.”
Al-Rahi’s comments came as the Gaza war entered its 11th day on Saturday. The conflict has killed more than 2,000 Palestinians, including more than 500 children, and wounded more than 10,000.
