Aid to the Church in Need issues a statement of concern on the safety of Tyre's civilians and the historic Christian quarter of the city, one of Lebanon's largest and oldest Christian communities.
The Israeli military on Tuesday launched an airstrike on the Lebanese port city of Tyre, in a continuing attempt to disarm the threat from the militant group Hezbollah. Tyre is home to one of the largest of Lebanon's historic Christian communities, and is a place where Jesus visited as mentioned in the Bible.
The military action killed at least eight people and injured dozens, making it "one of the deadliest" attacks since the Israeli airstrikes began in March. Last week, Israel said Hezbollah operatives were active inside the Christian neighborhood and called on residents “to demand the removal of the organization’s operatives from your areas.”
A one-line warning was issued on the social media platform X, but it was several minutes after the strike had occurred.
Tyre's Christian quarter has been spared previous attacks, and people from other cities have been seeking shelter there. After Tuesday's airstrike, however, Israeli authorities reiterated the order that all of Tyre should be evacuated, even the Christian quarter, claiming that Hezbollah fighters were hidden there.
BBC reported on those leaving Tyre on Tuesday:
Roads heading north were busy as residents fled in response to the warning, with mattresses and bags tied to car roofs.
Among them was Elias Barbour, who said he was going to his sister's home in Beirut.
"What have we done wrong? What are we supposed to do?" he told AFP news agency.
An urgent appeal: Prevent further suffering
Regina Lynch, President of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), issued a statement June 10 regarding the situation in Tyre. The statement follows an urgent appeal by Archbishop Georges Iskandar, Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop of Tyre, amid growing concerns for the safety of civilians and the historic Christian quarter of the city. Here is that statement in its entirety:
Aid to the Church in Need has received with deep concern the urgent appeal issued by His Excellency Archbishop Georges Iskandar, Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop of Tyre, regarding the growing insecurity affecting the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon and, in particular, its historic Old Quarter.
At this critical moment, ACN expresses its solidarity with the local Church and with all the civilians who remain in the city, especially families, children, the elderly, and the most vulnerable. We are particularly concerned for the safety of the inhabitants of the historic Christian quarter and for the preservation of a Christian presence that has been rooted in Tyre since apostolic times.
Tyre occupies a unique place in the history of Christianity and in the spiritual heritage of Lebanon. Its churches, communities, and historic neighborhoods are living witnesses to centuries of faith, coexistence, and resilience. Any threat to civilian lives, places of worship, or this precious religious and cultural heritage is a cause of profound concern.
Over the years, ACN has accompanied and supported families living in the Old Quarter of Tyre. We know these communities personally. We have visited their homes, prayed in their churches, and witnessed their determination to maintain a Christian presence in this historic city despite numerous challenges. For this reason, the current threats facing the civilian population and the historic Christian quarter are of particular concern to us.
Today, our thoughts and prayers are especially with these families and with all those facing renewed uncertainty and fear.
ACN joins the appeal of the local Church and calls on all those with responsibility and influence to do everything possible to prevent further suffering, displacement, and destruction. We urge all parties to respect human dignity, safeguard non-combatants, and protect religious sites and historic communities.
In these difficult days, we entrust the people of Tyre and all the people of Lebanon to the mercy of God. We pray for peace, security, and stability, and we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside the local Church as it continues to serve those affected by fear, uncertainty, and conflict.
May God protect the people of Tyre, preserve Lebanon, and grant peace to the region.
Our Lady of Lebanon, pray for us.
John Burger of Aid to the Church in Need contributed to this article.
