hezbollah Appeals to Pope Leo to Condemn Israeli Aggressionโ in Lebanon
Beirut,Lebanon – Hezbollah has issued a โขdirect โappeal to Pope Leo,urging him toโค reject what the group describes as ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon,as the pontiff prepares for a visit to the contry. The message, published Saturday on Hezbollah’s social media channels, comes amid heightened tensions โขandโ recent clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
The plea to Pope Leoโฃ underscores Hezbollah’sโ desire for โคinternational condemnation of Israel‘s actions and seeks to leverage the Pope’s upcoming visit – scheduled toโข begin Sunday – to amplify their message. Lebanon has โฃlong struggled with political instability and economic crisis, and the escalatingโ conflict with Israel adds another layer of complexity to theโค nation’s challenges. The pope’s visit is intended to demonstrate solidarity with the Lebanese people and promote dialog, but Hezbollah hopes it will also translate into concrete pressureโค onโ Israel.
Hezbollah’s โstatement affirmed the group’s commitment to “coexistence” within lebanon, while simultaneously reiterating its dedication to defending the country against perceived threats. Theโ message specifically highlighted the group’s resolve to โ”stand with our army and people to confront any aggression and occupation of our land and country,” labeling Israel’s actions in Lebanon as “unacceptable sustained aggression.”
“We relyโ on His Majesty’s stance in rejecting the injustice and aggression experienced by our Lebanese nation at โคthe hands of โthe Zionist invaders and theirโฃ supporters,” the statement continued, according to theโข AFP news agency.
The appeal follows remarks by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem โon Friday, where he welcomed Pope Leo’sโ visit and noted the group’sโ adherence to a november 2024 ceasefire. Qassem also called for an end to ongoing Israeli attacksโค on Lebanon. Pope Leo is expected to arrive in Lebanon on Sundayโค for a three-day trip, including an open-air mass in Beirut anticipated to draw approximately 120,000 attendees, and an interfaith meeting in the capital.
