Lebanon: Christians protest as Israel orders evacuation of Tyre

Maronite Catholic Cathedral Our Lady of the Seas in Tyre. Wiki image by Roman Deckert

Israel yesterday issued an evacuation order for the entire Lebanese city of Tyre and its surrounding areas. The order includes the ancient Christian quarter.

Leaders from the Maronite Catholic, Melkite Greek Catholic Church and Greek Orthodox Churches have appealed to neighbouring countries, as well as the Lebanese government, to "take immediate and serious action to spare the old quarter of Tyre from destruction and human tragedies."

In a statement, Melkite Archbishop George Iskandar pledged not to leave Tyre, saying: "In these difficult days that our beloved south is going through, we confirm that we remain in the city of pictures, between our families and our people, as our fathers and forefathers remained before us, and as today the children of the south remain resilient in their land, villages and cities.

"Being among people is not a circumstantial choice but a part of our message and national, human and spiritual duty. As we share with our family joys, we also share with them anxiety, suffering and hope. And we will not leave this city blessed by the feet of the Lord Jesus, which throughout history has carried the testimony of faith and endurance.

We lift up our prayers for the protection of all civilians, for God to prevent our city and the entire South from war and destruction, and for those in charge with the wisdom and courage to work to protect people's lives and protect their homes and livelihoods.

"We stay together, united and united, believing that love is stronger than fear, and that hope is stronger than any threat."

Neil Thorns, CAFOD Director of Advocacy, said: "As Iran, Israel and Hezbollah trade attacks in the skies, we know of families being torn apart on the ground, with more lives lost and homes destroyed.

"What's needed are leaders who will take concrete actions towards a just and lasting peace. This evacuation order comes only days after the latest agreed ceasefire.

"Our partners in the region are continuing to respond to the most urgent humanitarian needs and are calling for accountability and justice.

"Peace without justice is not real peace."