Jerusalem bishop condemns Israeli soldier’s destruction of Jesus statue

William Shomali, an auxiliary bishop for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, on Monday denounced the destruction of a statue of Jesus Christ by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon, calling it “shameful and disgraceful.” Speaking to Anadolu, Shomali reacted a day after the Israeli army acknowledged that one of its soldiers had smashed the statue in the town of Debel in Nabatieh province.

Violation of religious respect

Shomali stated that the act constitutes “a violation of international humanitarian law and a sign of disrespect for religions. What we saw is contempt for religions. It is absolutely unacceptable and must not be allowed.” Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s condemnation of the incident, Shomali said: “In my view, the killing of innocent civilians and children in Lebanon is more serious. The breaking of the cross is not the only tragedy in Lebanon. Innocent people are dying every day as a result of this war, which must stop.”

War casualties and ceasefire

Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 2,294 people, wounded 7,544, and displaced more than one million, according to official figures. Netanyahu condemned the statue destruction early Monday, claiming Israel “respects all religions” even as its forces continue attacks across the region. US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon on Thursday following calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli officials.