Lebanon's Top Christian Cleric Urges Officials to Protect Country Amidst Israel-Hamas War

 Lebanon's top Christian cleric, Maronite Christian Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, has called on state officials to protect the country from the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. The Lebanese Shiite group, Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has been engaging in clashes with Israeli forces at the border. The conflict between Hamas and Israel, which began on October 7, has resulted in the worst fighting in Lebanon since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

In response to the escalating violence, Patriarch al-Rai has urged the application of a 2006 UN Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire between the two sides. He has also called on the Lebanese state officials to take diplomatic and political actions in support of the Palestinian cause. Patriarch al-Rai emphasizes that working towards peace and supporting the Palestinians through non-violent means is more effective.

Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has also weighed in on the situation. In his first speech since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Nasrallah stated that the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon will depend on events in Gaza and Israel's actions towards Lebanon. Hezbollah's opponents in Lebanon have long criticized the group for undermining the state through its possession of a powerful arsenal that surpasses that of the national army.

They also accuse Hezbollah of making unilateral decisions regarding war and peace. However, supporters of Hezbollah argue that the group's arsenal has defended Lebanon from Israel. As the conflict between Hamas and Israel continues to escalate, it is crucial for Lebanon to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens. By applying diplomatic and political efforts and adhering to the 2006 UN Security Council resolution, Lebanon can play a constructive role in supporting the Palestinian cause while avoiding further violence in its own borders.