Israeli Army Admits to Causing Damage at Religious Complex in Yaroun

Israeli Army Admits to Causing Damage at Religious Complex in Yaroun

On Saturday, the Israeli army acknowledged that it caused damage to a religious complex located in the village of Yaroun, southern Lebanon. This incident has drawn significant condemnation from various church organizations, which have characterized it as a “deliberate attack” on a place of worship. The army stated that its operations were aimed at “removing threats and destroying Hezbollah infrastructure” in the vicinity.

Details of the Incident

According to a statement issued by an Israeli army spokesperson, one house within the religious complex was reported damaged; however, the statement did not clarify whether the structure was a designated religious building. The army emphasized that, following the incident, measures were taken to prevent further damage to other structures recognized as having religious significance. The military action was reportedly initiated in response to rocket attacks that originated from within the complex.

Reactions and Allegations of Intentional Targeting

The incident prompted a swift response from the French Catholic organization “Action East,” which condemned the Israeli forces for allegedly “destroying the Sisters of the Redeemer convent” using bulldozers. They described the occurrence as a “deliberate act of destruction against a place of worship.” Gladys Sabbagh, the general superior of the nuns, confirmed that the convent was vacant at the time and had previously served as a school, which has been closed since the 2006 war, along with a clinic that has since relocated to the town of Ramish.

In contrast, the Israeli Foreign Ministry refuted claims regarding the destruction of the site, asserting that it remains “intact and secure.” They provided a photograph of a two-story building, claiming it is part of the religious complex.

Ongoing Conflict and Casualties

In related developments, at least seven individuals were reported dead and several others injured due to Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, despite a ceasefire that has been in effect since mid-April. Lebanese media outlets reported that three fatalities resulted from a dawn strike on a residence in the town of Louiza. The National News Agency indicated that an airstrike on the town of Shoukin resulted in two deaths and the destruction of residential properties.

Additionally, the towns of Zoutar al-Sharqiya and Zoutar al-Gharbiya, as well as the river area between Zoutar and Deir Siryan, experienced a series of intense nighttime airstrikes. An early morning strike targeted the Al-Qalaa neighborhood in the town of Harouf. Israeli army spokesperson Ella Waoya confirmed that the air force conducted approximately 50 strikes within the past 24 hours against “Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel.”

The exchange of attacks between the Israeli army and Hezbollah persists, despite the ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in mid-April, which has since been extended.