Apostle Paolo Borgia Visits Villages Amid Ongoing Conflict in Lebanon

Apostle Paolo Borgia made a trip on Monday to various villages in southeastern Lebanon, where locals are determined to stay put despite the conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

This isn’t Borgia’s first visit during the current hostilities that began in March when Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel from Lebanese territory. His outreach extends beyond Christian communities to include others as well.

The archbishop remarked on the war’s substantial toll on villages, be they Christian, mixed, or Muslim. “Many have had to abandon their homes,” he noted, referencing a previous visit to a conflict zone earlier this year.

He pointed out that in Beirut, those displaced are facing severe hardships, particularly the Shiite population, who find themselves in grave difficulties. Christians in Beirut and northern regions are also among those affected.

“It’s certainly difficult for them, leaving everything behind,” he observed, highlighting the economic challenges that arise when southern villages become deserted, leading to halted activities.

“They feel as if they’re carrying their burdens alone. That’s why our visits are so important. They must feel the presence of the Universal and Lebanese Church, including the Pope and numerous supporters during these trying times,” he emphasized.

Continuing his tradition, Borgia distributed humanitarian supplies during his visits. Accompanying him was Father Samir Ghawi, president of Caritas-Lebanon. A local leader mentioned that this aid is crucial, especially since ongoing conflict has cut off Lebanon from the rest of the country. Farmers shared their concerns about how the current security situation might hinder their ability to cultivate during the upcoming harvest, which could lead to significant income losses in already struggling communities.

While Israeli forces persist in issuing evacuation orders for various areas in Lebanon, many villagers are choosing to remain. Tragically, both civilians and Lebanese army personnel have reportedly been affected by Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military released photographs of a large cache of weapons attributed to Hezbollah, found in what was described as a civilian house in Zawtar al-Sharkiyeh, located north of the Litani River.

Israeli officials claimed that the weapons included rifles, missiles, anti-tank launchers, and drones, asserting that these finds were part of a pattern of Hezbollah utilizing civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

In recent days, more weapon caches connected to Hezbollah have been found in civilian areas, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.

On Monday night, a suspected Hezbollah fighter crossed into northern Israel and opened fire on Israeli troops, who returned fire, resulting in his death. A local leader indicated that this incident illustrates the lack of security even after nearly three years of conflict in the North.

He further stated that Israel should hold Hezbollah accountable for their actions and clarify that such incursions will not go unchecked.

On Tuesday, Israel targeted the city of Tire in Lebanon, issuing evacuation advisories for the entire city, including its Christian quarter, which had previously been considered exempt. The Israeli Defense Forces cited concerns that Hezbollah fighters might be operating from within those areas.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the airstrike resulted in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries.

Georges Iskander, the Archbishop of Tire, reaffirmed on Tuesday that his church would not abandon its community and would not adhere to evacuation directives. “We have no intention of leaving this city, a place that has witnessed faith and resilience throughout its history,” he declared.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on the same day, expressed his hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, stating that a military approach will never assure safety for northern populations.

“We want this and we’re committed to it. Can it happen? If so, let’s sit down and communicate,” he shared in an interview.

Aoun emphasized the need for a cessation of hostilities rather than an immediate peace agreement, affirming that establishing enduring peace will require time. He emphasized the importance of Israel granting statehood to the Palestinians and withdrawing from occupied territories, suggesting that Lebanon might consider normalizing relations thereafter.

“Ending hostilities between Lebanon and Israel is vital for lasting peace,” he said. “But, we cannot leap directly from A to B; there needs to be an intermediary step.”

However, Israel’s hesitance stems mainly from the inability of Lebanon’s government to control Hezbollah. Past conflicts have seen similar promises from Beirut, many of which remain unfulfilled.

Aoun’s decision to negotiate with Israel could jeopardize his government, especially as Hezbollah and its political allies might not take kindly to such a move, particularly given the perception that they have entangled Lebanon in a conflict it didn’t choose.

Interestingly, on Monday, a Sunni cleric in Beirut expressed rising hostility among the population toward Hezbollah and its supporters, hinting at potential civil discord. “This conflict feels different from the one in 2024; there’s resentment and division,” he remarked, noting some Sunni supporters of Israel against Hezbollah.

“I’ve never encountered sentiments like this before among Sunnis. I’m trying to mend these divisions,” he summarized.