Lebanon is experiencing new instability as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues. The country has the largest Christian population in the Middle East and is already under great economic and political stress. This week, the United Nations began its biggest withdrawal of peacekeepers from southern Lebanon because of budget cuts and a shorter mandate. United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says Israel has broken the ceasefire agreement more than 10,000 times since it was signed in November 2024, and more than 300 people have been killed. Israeli airstrikes on Beirut recently killed a senior Hezbollah commander, increasing tensions. According to the truce, Israel was supposed to fully leave southern Lebanon in January, but it still controls five border outposts. Lebanese officials say the ceasefire exists mostly on paper, with thousands of violations reported by land, air, and sea.

Pray for the authorities to take immediate action to defend the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Pray for the end of extremism in Lebanon. Pray for friendly and peaceful relations between Lebanon and its neighboring countries (The Holy Bible, Psalm 4:8).

Pray for the end of the chaotic situation on the Lebanon–Israel border. Pray for the continued support of the UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Pray for divine protection upon all the innocent civilians living in the bordering cities. Pray for peace to prevail in the region (The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 33:27).

News Source: Vatican News

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