Al-Rahi Calls for the Elimination of Rocket Launch Sites Located Among Residential Areas in the South

On Sunday, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi expressed his opposition to the extension of the Gaza war into southern Lebanon. In his sermon, he called for an end to the cross-border conflicts and emphasized the need to protect Lebanese citizens, their homes, and properties.

Al-Rahi specifically called for the removal of rocket launchpads that have been positioned in residential areas in southern towns, highlighting the potential for these sites to provoke devastating Israeli retaliation. He also stressed the importance of respecting U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 in its entirety for the benefit of Lebanon’s well-being.

Additionally, al-Rahi expressed disappointment over recent incidents where southern Lebanese residents attacked UNIFIL peacekeepers. He noted these actions were obstructing the movements of the U.N. forces. The patriarch reiterated his appreciation for the countries contributing to the U.N. peacekeeping forces that help maintain peace in southern Lebanon.

The ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, have led to over 150 deaths on the Lebanese side, including Hezbollah fighters and over 20 civilians, among whom are three journalists. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of approximately 72,437 people in Lebanon, as reported by the International Organization for Migration.