An Israeli soldier was photographed hitting the pinnacle of Jesus Christ in a crucifix with a sledgehammer, sparking outrage and condemnation.
The photo, taken in southern Lebanon, where Israel is continuous their campaign to determine a ‘buffer region’ outside of its own territory, prompted outcry from outstanding politicians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the photo was real, writing on X: ‘I condemn the act within the strongest terms. We make an apology for the incident, and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and all over the world.’
The Israeli Defence Forces said in a press release: ‘The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasises that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.
‘The IDF is working to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols.’
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The apology has fallen on deaf ears, nonetheless, with many declaring that previously, the IDF has fired on other religious sites.
In 2024, an airstrike killed eight individuals who were sheltering contained in the St George Melkite Catholic Church in Derdghaya, Lebanon.
The strike was rebuked by Pope Francis, who called for a ceasefire in Lebanon. The IDF said the strike was targeting militants who were operating nearby.
Last summer, Gaza’s only Catholic church – a refuge for a lot of Christians during Israel’s war on Palestinians – was bombed. Two people were killed and several other, including the parish priest, were injured.
Father Gabriel Romanelli was very near the late Pope Francis, and the 2 spoke every night because the starting of Israel’s massacre in Gaza.
Fadel Naem, the acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, said each Christians and Muslims had been sheltering inside on the time of the attack.
They included several young children with disabilities, one among whom was injured.
Why are Israel and Lebanon fighting?
Hezbollah fired missiles across the border days after the US and Israel attacked Iran, resparking a lengthy regional conflict.
Israel responded with widespread bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion, and claims to have killed lots of of Hezbollah fighters.
Israel has killed greater than 1,530 people in Lebanon, including greater than 100 women and 130 children, within the attacks. A couple of million people have been displaced in Lebanon.
Days ago, Trump boasted that he was near ending his tenth war after Israel and Lebanon agreed on a 10-day ceasefire.
He said he wanted a ‘lasting peace’ between the nations, adding: ‘It has been my Honor to unravel 9 Wars across the World, and this can be my tenth, so let’s, GET IT DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP’.
Chatting with reporters on the White House lawn, he said Hezbollah can be included within the ceasefire agreement.
Trump expected Aoun and Netanyahu to satisfy in the following week or two, before saying the White House meeting between the Mideast leaders could occur in the following 4 or five days.
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