Israeli Strikes Hit Southern Beirut on Easter Eve as Churches Pray for Peace

Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut on Easter Eve, hours after residents were warned to evacuate, as church leaders used the holy period to call for an end to escalating violence across the region.

The strikes targeted areas in the Lebanese capital’s southern districts, a known stronghold of Hezbollah, amid a widening conflict linked to tensions between Israel and Iran.

The Israeli military issued a direct warning to residents in the Ghobeiry neighbourhood, urging them to flee ahead of the attack.

“To everyone present in the building marked in red as shown on the map and the adjacent buildings, You are located near a facility affiliated with Hezbollah,” Israeli army Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X, without providing evidence.

The warning included a map highlighting a specific building, triggering panic among civilians as they rushed to evacuate.

Airstrikes Rock Southern Suburbs

Shortly after the warning, Israeli warplanes carried out strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Witnesses reported jets flying low over the city, with loud explosions heard across several neighbourhoods.

Also Read:Teachers in Limbo: SHA Failures Fuel Nationwide Strike Threat

The latest bombardment marks a significant escalation in Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, following cross-border hostilities with Hezbollah.

Churches Mark Easter With Calls for Peace

As the violence intensified, Christian leaders used Easter celebrations to urge restraint and peace across the region.

At Canterbury Cathedral, the newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, delivered her first Easter sermon with a strong appeal for an end to the bloodshed.

“This week our gaze and our prayers have been turned towards the land where Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead,” she told the congregation.

“Today, as we shout with joy that Christ is risen, let us pray and call with renewed urgency for an end to the violence and destruction in the Middle East and the Gulf.”

She added,“May our Christian sisters and brothers know and celebrate the hope of the empty tomb- and may all people of the region receive the peace, justice and freedom they long for.”

Also Read:Israeli Air Strikes Hit Southern Lebanon, Beirut Areas Report Damage

Conflict Spreads Across the Region

The latest strikes come amid a broader regional conflict that has entered its sixth week, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Thousands are reported to have been killed since the fighting began on February 28, when large-scale US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran.

Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.

Israel has also intensified its operations in Lebanon after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, in retaliation for earlier developments linked to Iran’s leadership.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally to pray for Middle East in first Easter sermon
PHOTO/BBC