Melkite Catholic bishops express concern over Israeli demolition

Key Points:

• The Council of Melkite Greek Catholic Bishops in Lebanon has condemned reports of Israeli demolition of civilian and religious buildings in southern Lebanon, specifically citing the destruction of a Melkite convent in the village of Yaroun.
• Israel, which took control of parts of southern Lebanon during its recent conflict with Hezbollah, claims its military actions target militant infrastructure and deny intentionally damaging religious sites, though local leaders dispute this regarding the convent.
• The French Catholic charity L’Oeuvre d’Orient criticized the destruction as a deliberate attempt to prevent civilian return, while Lebanese officials and religious leaders confirm the convent was bulldozed during evacuations.
• U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa stated that a potential meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not be viewed as a concession, amid domestic criticism of direct talks with Israel.
• The recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict, starting in March, has resulted in over 2,600 deaths and 8,200 injuries in Lebanon, with a ceasefire in place since April 17 and extended for three weeks.