Catholics in Lebanon mark Palm Sunday amid growing tensions and potential conflict

Lebanese Christians Observe Palm Sunday Amid Ongoing Conflict

Christians gathered at churches across Lebanon on Palm Sunday to commemorate Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, amidst a sombre backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. In Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Maronite Catholic church near Dahiyeh was filled with worshippers, despite its proximity to the once-bustling district, which has been largely deserted due to Israeli evacuation orders and ongoing air strikes.

In Tyre, Lebanon’s coastal city in southern Lebanon, nearly cut off from the rest of the country by Israeli bombings that destroyed nearby bridges, church bells tolled and choral music filled the air. Worshippers prayed for peace, with many acknowledging the shared hardships faced by all communities in the conflict.

The escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict has cast a shadow over the celebrations, with Lebanon’s history of sectarian tensions remaining a poignant backdrop. However, congregants emphasized that all Lebanese people are enduring the consequences of the intensifying conflict. “No one is safe from this—not the Christians, not anyone,” said Mahia Jamus, a 20-year-old university student in Beirut.

In Tyre, Christians sought solace in preserving their sacred traditions amid the devastation surrounding them. “Amid the wars, the tragedies, and the destruction happening around us, we remain on our land,” said Roseth Katra, 41, speaking from the centuries-old stone church in Tyre. The conflict has resulted in at least 1,238 deaths and over 3,500 injuries since March 2, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.

As the regional conflict enters its second month, Israeli troops have launched a ground invasion, advancing towards the Litani River. Hezbollah has also claimed dozens of operations against Israeli forces in the past 24 hours.

Source: Al Jazeera