One month ago, Georges Khreish, Elie Atallah Dahrouj, and Shadi Ammar were installing an internet cable on a rooftop in the southern Lebanese village of Ain Ebel. The three young men were killed instantly by an Israeli drone strike. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they struck individuals identified as Hezbollah operatives attempting to install surveillance equipment. This incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on Christian border towns as Israel intensifies its military operations in Lebanon.
Residents Refuse to Leave
Despite the dangers, Christian residents are determined to stay. Hanna Daher, mayor of Qlayaa, told Independent Arabia: "During the 66-day war in 2024, Israel asked us to evacuate. We refused. We are a peaceful community and will remain on our land." He emphasized that not a single resident has permanently left Qlayaa, a town of 850 families. Farmers, however, have suffered immense losses, with homes and crops destroyed. "No one dares go to their fields anymore. The losses are immeasurable, but we will not abandon our land," Daher added.
Attacks on Christian Clergy and Civilians
On Easter Sunday, an Israeli attack on a residential building in Ain Saadeh killed Pierre Mouawad, a Lebanese Forces official, and his wife. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hezbollah militants. In March, Father Pierre al-Rai, the parish priest of Saint George's Church in Qlayaa, was killed by an artillery shell while helping a wounded resident. The Maronite Patriarch described the incident as a deep wound in the Church.
In Alma al-Shaab, an Israeli drone killed Sami Ghafri after he refused to evacuate. The remaining families then left under UNIFIL escort.
Moral and Papal Support
Pope Leo XIV mourned Father al-Rai, saying: "May the Lord grant that his blood be a seed of peace for Lebanon." The Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon toured Christian towns to encourage residents to stay. In Qlayaa, the papal envoy praised the people's courage.
Concerns of Christian Displacement
Metropolitan Elias Kfouri warned that Israel aims to empty the area south of the Litani River of all inhabitants, not just Shia. "The killing of Father al-Rai shows Israel will not limit itself to displacing Shia. It seeks to empty the entire area, including Christian villages," he said. Retired Brigadier General Hisham Jaber echoed this, stating that Israel intends to instil fear among Christians to push them to leave.
Despite the threats, residents remain steadfast. As Mayor Daher put it: "We are staying, we are staying, we are staying."
