Pope Francis calls for immediate ceasefire in 'martyred' Lebanon amid escalating conflict

Israel-Lebanon News: Pope Francis, during a mass in Belgium, issued a strong plea for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, Gaza, and the broader Middle East. The Pope’s urgent call comes amid escalating violence in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have intensified, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has grown increasingly severe, following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7.

Pope's call for peace

At an outdoor mass in Brussels, Pope Francis, 87, appealed for peace in the war-torn regions, referring to Lebanon as "martyred" and urging for an end to hostilities. He said, "I call on all parties to immediately cease fire in Lebanon, Gaza, the rest of Palestine, and Israel." His statement followed a wave of Israeli airstrikes on southern Beirut, the headquarters of Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran.

Israel Killed Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah

On Friday, Israeli forces carried out one of their heaviest air assaults on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut, moments after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the nation would continue fighting Hezbollah. The strikes killed Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah and sent large plumes of smoke over the southern suburbs of the capital, an area densely populated and known for housing Hezbollah’s base of operations.

Netanyahu's resolve was clear when he stated that Israel would not cease military action, especially in Gaza, where the offensive against Hamas is ongoing. "If Hamas stays in power, it will regroup... and attack Israel again and again," he remarked, committing to "total victory" over the militant group.

Hezbollah's role in conflict

Hezbollah has been actively involved in fighting along the Lebanese-Israeli border, especially after its ally, Hamas, launched its unprecedented attack on Israel. In retaliation, Israel has turned its attention to Lebanon, bombing Hezbollah strongholds, primarily in the east and south of the country. This shift in focus has caused widespread destruction, displacing over 118,000 people and killing hundreds. Despite international pressure for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its operations, citing the need to secure its northern border.

Growing humanitarian crisis

The ongoing violence has been labeled the deadliest in a generation for Lebanon. UN humanitarian coordinator Imran Riza expressed grave concern, stating, "We are witnessing the deadliest period in Lebanon in a generation, and many fear this is only the beginning." Despite global appeals for peace, the violence shows no sign of abating, and the humanitarian toll continues to rise.

The conflict has not only devastated Lebanon but also continues to wreak havoc in Gaza. Israel's retaliatory strikes have claimed over 41,000 lives in Gaza, according to health officials, most of them civilians.