Hezbollah Calls on Pope to Condemn Israeli Attacks on Lebanon
The Hezbollah movement has called on Pope Leo XIV to condemn Israel’s "injustice and aggression" against Lebanon in a message addressed to the pontiff who is scheduled to visit Beirut this weekend, AFP reports.
One year ago, it was believed that a ceasefire would put an end to hostilities, yet Israel continues to launch regular strikes against Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah fighters and their assets, while maintaining troops in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon.
Under strong pressure from the United States and fearing a deterioration in Israeli aggression, the Lebanese government has committed to disarming Hezbollah, a step the movement has rejected.
Hezbollah stated that Israel’s actions in Lebanon amount to "unacceptable, ongoing aggression."
"We rely on Your Holiness's stance to reject the injustice and aggression perpetrated against our people by the Zionist occupiers and their supporters in Lebanon," the statement read.
It should be noted that on Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem welcomed the Pope’s upcoming visit to Lebanon, stating that he has instructed movement members to deliver a letter to the pontiff, which will also be made public in the media.