Controversy erupts as Israel demolishes sacred christian statue

DDM News

Israeli military forces have come under fire for destroying a revered Christian statue in southern Lebanon during Palm Sunday.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the statue of Saint George, located in the Christian-majority town of Yaroun, was reportedly bulldozed by Israeli troops.

The incident occurred amid fragile ceasefire conditions between Israel and Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) confirmed that an Israeli bulldozer was used in the demolition.

The statue held significant spiritual and cultural importance to Christians, especially during Holy Week.

Saint George, also known as Mar Girgis, is a major figure in Christian, Druze, and Muslim traditions.

His image symbolizes protection, courage, and resistance against evil across the Levant.

Video footage of the statue’s destruction quickly circulated across social media platforms.

Former Lebanese Labor Minister, Moustafa Bayram, shared a clip of the act on X (formerly Twitter).

He condemned the incident, accusing Israeli forces of intentionally desecrating religious heritage.

Bayram stated, “The Israeli army shamelessly documented the act, reaffirming its hostility to everything other than itself.”

He called the demolition an attack on regional culture and identity.

As of Monday, April 14, the Israeli military had not issued any official statement.

This silence has further fueled outrage among Lebanese citizens and Christian leaders.

The act is viewed as a direct violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

That agreement was intended to halt hostilities between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters after months of deadly clashes.

Under the terms, Israel was to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon by January 26, 2025.

However, the withdrawal has been delayed twice due to Israeli non-compliance.

Reports indicate that Israeli troops still hold at least five outposts near the Lebanese border.

Lebanese authorities claim that Israel has breached the ceasefire over 1,440 times since November.

These violations include drone flights, artillery shelling, and unauthorized patrols across the border.

The renewed hostilities have resulted in 125 deaths and over 370 injuries on the Lebanese side.

The destruction of the Saint George statue is now seen as part of this larger pattern of aggression.

Local and religious leaders in Lebanon are demanding international condemnation and action.

They argue that the targeting of religious symbols undermines the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

In Yaroun, the statue was not just a religious object, but a cultural landmark.

It stood as a beacon of faith and unity for the region’s Christian population.

Its demolition during Palm Sunday a time of spiritual reflection has deepened the wound.

The incident has sparked fears of renewed violence along the border.

Residents of Yaroun gathered at the statue site to pray and protest the act.

Church bells tolled mournfully as clergy denounced the military aggression.

Saint George’s legacy as a protector lives on in local stories and traditions.

Many Lebanese citizens see the attack as a direct assault on their faith.

Religious scholars have called for the protection of spiritual sites during conflict.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has yet to respond to the event.

Calls are growing louder for international observers to investigate the breach.

The desecration has further destabilized an already tense and volatile region.

Observers fear that continued violations could unravel the fragile ceasefire completely.

The Yaroun incident serves as a painful reminder of the cost of ongoing hostilities.

With each act of aggression, trust between the communities is further eroded.

Local leaders warn that without accountability, peace will remain elusive.

International peace advocates are urging restraint and respect for cultural heritage.

They stress that religious symbols must not become casualties of war.

The Lebanese government is preparing to file a formal complaint through diplomatic channels.

Faith leaders across Lebanon have united in condemning the destruction.

They have called for solidarity among all communities affected by the violence.

The memory of Saint George remains strong in the hearts of Yaroun’s people.

Despite the destruction, residents vow to rebuild and preserve their heritage.

For many, the statue’s toppling symbolizes a test of faith under fire.

But in their eyes, Saint George still stands now more in spirit than stone.

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