Maronite bishops, ‘put an end to Israeli aggression’

(ANSA) – VATICAN CITY, 07 NOV – The Maronite Bishops have launched an appeal to the international community to “establish an immediate ceasefire and apply UN resolution 1701, to allow the return of displaced people to their homes and put an end to the aggression that violate the national sovereignty of Lebanon”. The latest episode in this sense, the Maronite Bishops recalled, was “the kidnapping in Batroun” of Imad Amhaz by an Israeli naval commando a few days ago. The bishops of the Maronite Church gathered in Bkerké, a town in Lebanon on Jounieh Bay, for their monthly meeting presided over by Patriarch Béchara Raï. Various topics addressed. Among these, the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing war in Lebanon and the “thank you” to the Pope and the Holy See for the recent canonization of the “martyrs of Damascus”. This was reported by the Fides agency. On the issue of the conflict that has been tearing the Middle East area apart for over a year, the Maronite Bishops – we read in the press release – expressed “deep concern for the victims and destruction caused by Israeli attacks in many areas of Lebanon”. The bishops then welcomed “the solidarity of the various Lebanese religious leaders who have united to denounce Israeli aggression and ask for a rapid resolution to protect the displaced”. Their gratitude was then extended to French President Emmanuel Macron who decided to convene an international conference in support of Lebanon. And, while the Maronite Bishops continue to hope for an increase in financial aid that could allow the strengthening of the Lebanese troops, they wanted to underline “the commitment of the Lebanese to welcome the displaced with dignity and to strengthen the reception structures in collaboration with local authorities and security organisations”. (HANDLE).