Lebanon (MNN) — The war between Israel and Hezbollah has effectively cornered civilians in Lebanon. To the south lie active Israeli forces whose strikes have already killed nearly 700 people since March 2. To the north and east, the Syrian army stands ominous watch. And from within, Hezbollah is a target for Israeli strikes.
After rocket fire and drone strikes from Hezbollah on Wednesday night, Israel ordered all civilians south of Lebanon’s Zahrani river to evacuate to the north.
Nuna with Triumphant Mercy Lebanon says Israel told the leader of one southern Lebanon municipality, “It’s your responsibility. If you allow Hezbollah people inside your village, we’re going to bomb your village. But if you don’t allow anyone to come in, your village is safe.”
However, a lack of Lebanese military personnel leaves villages vulnerable. On Monday, an Israeli strike killed Father Pierre al-Rahi, a Catholic priest in a village that Hezbollah had infiltrated. His death was one more spur that led Lebanon’s foreign minister, Youssef Raggi, to appeal to the Vatican for mediation on behalf of Christian villages in southern Lebanon.
“He [Father Pierre al-Rahi] died a stupid death, not because of him, but because of some people who have done damage to the village,” says Nuna. “The Vatican can be helpful in keeping Israel on the side, saying, ‘These are Christian villages. Don’t approach them.’”
Distributing aid (Photo courtesy of Triumphant Mercy Lebanon)
But the damage is already done. At least 780,000 people across Lebanon have registered as displaced as of Wednesday. Lebanon is caught between warring sides that refuse to change their stances.
In the crisis, Triumphant Mercy Lebanon and a network of other ministries are laboring to serve as the hands and feet of Christ.
“Now people are very, very open to the Gospel, because people are so disillusioned with Islam,” says Nuna. “Many people are just wanting something else, and they’re seeing that Christians are extending a helping hand.”
She says the people they meet ask for prayer, not just physical aid. Pray for both gospel hope and help to reach them. Learn how you can help resource their work at this critical time by visiting Triumphant Mercy’s website.
Header photo of Beirut, Lebanon courtesy of Sara Calado/Unsplash.
