Al-Rahi says Iran violating sovereignty through Hezbollah, slams Israeli attacks
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Saturday said Iran is violating Lebanon's sovereignty "through Hezbollah," in comments related to the war that has been raging since March 2.
"Our hearts ache for the victims of the war imposed on Lebanon by Hezbollah and Israel, for the displaced, for the destroyed homes, and for those steadfastly enduring isolation from the world, in violation of international laws that call for the protection of civilians and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to deliver essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other necessities," al-Rahi said in his annual Easter message.
"The demand for humanitarian corridors is not merely a humanitarian plea, but an international legal obligation," he added, referring to residents of Christian towns in south Lebanon.
"The church continues its efforts to help Lebanon regain its peace, territorial sovereignty, and independent political decision-making," al-Rahi said.
He warned that "Lebanon is facing a dangerous existential situation due to the violation of its sovereignty by Iran through Hezbollah and by Israeli aggression against its territory."
Al-Rahi added: "Lebanon remains committed to the oath of office taken by President Joseph Aoun, the ministerial statement of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government, the Lebanese government resolutions of August 5 and 7, 2025, and March 2, 2026, and the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701."
