Al-Rahi Calls for Lebanon to Reestablish Its Neutral Stance

During his Sunday Mass sermon, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi strongly criticized the severe and destructive conflict occurring in Gaza, and he expressed disapproval of the conflict’s extension to Lebanon’s southern villages.

Al-Rahi emphasized Lebanon’s identity as a nation of peace and dialogue, not warfare. He stressed that the war’s expansion into Lebanon contravenes United Nations Resolution 1701. The Patriarch advocated for Lebanon to embrace its neutrality again and to use diplomatic means to defend any rights that have been infringed upon.

He further reminded that Lebanon’s stance of neutrality is not a recent development but a fundamental aspect of its national identity dating back to 1860.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which started on October 7, has led to frequent confrontations along the border between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. These clashes have resulted in approximately 150 deaths on the Lebanese side, predominantly among Hezbollah fighters and their allies, including at least 17 civilians.

The International Organization for Migration reports that there are currently about 72,437 displaced people in Lebanon due to the conflict.