Intense conflict has gripped southern Lebanon today, with over 100 casualties reported as a result of a large-scale Israeli offensive.
According to Bishop Rafic Nahra of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, a real war has erupted affecting civilians significantly.
“The situation is becoming increasingly serious: people are worried,” said Bishop Nahra in a report by AsiaNews.
The conflict has escalated over the past year, showing no signs of abating, and now risks drawing the entire region into greater turmoil.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted approximately 300 Hezbollah positions across the border, resulting in at least 100 deaths and 400 injuries, based on reports from Beirut.
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari did not dismiss the possibility of a ground operation, stating, “we will do everything necessary to return the evacuated residents of northern Israel to their homes safely.”
Lebanese Interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli actions as a “war of extermination” and a strategy to “destroy Lebanese villages and cities,” calling on the United Nations and influential countries to intervene.
This comes as civilians flee the combat zones, seeking refuge in schools and public buildings amid growing tensions.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for bombing three targets in northern Israel as retaliation. Recent attacks have even reached Nazareth, marking the first missile strikes there since 2006.
“For now we hear the missiles,” Bishop Nahra confirmed, “and last night a fragment fell nearby. Now it is likely that all of Galilee will be attacked by the Lebanese Hezbollah.”
The conflict has potential to spread further, with involvement from Shiite militias across the region. Over the weekend, Iraqi groups have intervened, mirroring ongoing actions by Houthis in Yemen, highlighting the increasingly regional nature of the conflict.
“This war hurts on several levels: for material damage, for relationships between people, fueling an environment of mistrust, fear, and dread,” the prelate said.
He emphasized the urgent need for a solution and cessation of violence, noting the particular vulnerability of Christians who suffer from both the conflict and internal violence within Arab Israeli society.
As the anniversary of last year’s October 7 Hamas attack approaches—an event that significantly escalated regional tensions—calls for rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation among Christians, Jews, and Muslims grow louder.
“There is great radicalization,” Bishop Nahra concluded, stressing the necessity of a truce, “which is why it is even more urgent to collaborate among people of good will. But as long as there is violence, these are just words… we need a truce!”