Lebanon

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried attacks against Israel in the past few days, including the latest: drones that were intercepted and shot down by Israel’s air force. In the event of a ground invasion of Lebanon, the group is ready to join the fighting. Meanwhile, in Iraq, the 94-year-old Shia cleric is urging aid for the Lebanese population, but ordinary people fear an escalation that could favour the return of the Islamic State.

Israel fighter planes have hit uninhabited as well as civilian targets, all treated as ammunition depots or Hezbollah launch pads. For one doctor, it is a "massacre", with many bodies feared to be under the rubble. The great escape from the south is underway, but some people choose to stay holed up in their villages. In some of Beirut’s predominantly Christian districts, empty houses and buildings under construction have been requisitioned.

Over 100 people die and 400 are wounded in massive Israeli attacks in south Lebanon. Sources tell AsiaNews that Lebanese civilians are fleeing, sheltering in schools and government buildings. The patriarchal vicar for Israel says that even Nazareth was hit by rockets, and "it is likely" that the whole of Galilee will come under attack by Hezbollah. If leaders do not stop, the effects will be “terrible”. Christians are the weak link in this war as religious tourism dries up and violence spreads in Israel’s Arab community.

In a statement, the Maronite cardinal condemns the use of two-way devices "to kill indiscriminately" in the operation against Hezbollah. The provisional toll stands at 37 dead and 2,931 wounded, some seriously. Shia movement leader Nasrallah says the northern front will remain active until the end of the aggression in Gaza.

Fr Raed talks about concerns triggered by the military escalation on the Lebanese border. Social tensions related to conflict are a rising concern, especially in an increasingly radicalised society. The desire to escape does not concern only Christians. "The only solution is an end to the war in Gaza." Dioceses and priests in Italy (and Europe) are urged to promote small “pilgrimages of solidarity”.

In yesterday's action in Lebanon, apparently harmless objects turned out to be powerful weapons. The NGO that works in 28 countries to remove mines left behind by conflicts calls for an urgent response to the rise of autonomous weapons, part of a broader "phenomenon of miniaturisation of explosive devices and their use in micro drones”. Increasingly, demands are being made for a new ban treaty, like the one with landmines.

The operation that killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 2,800, several of them seriously, represents an absolute first. The explosion of pagers took the pro-Iranian group by surprise, weakening its potential. Everyone is now waiting for Nasrallah's response, while many Lebanese are donating blood for the wounded like after the 2020 port explosion. Many now fear that the attack could be the prelude to a large-scale conflict.

Thousands of faithful, ecclesiastical and political personalities witnessed the arrival of the remains of the cardinal, now buried in the cathedral of Saint Elias and Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The wait is on for the completion of the beatification process. From Prime Minister Mikati the hope that through his intercession, the country of the cedars will overcome the political and institutional crisis.

As the mid-October harvest approaches in southern Lebanon, security concerns are rising. The uncertainty is fuelled by rumours of possible escalation along the Israeli-Lebanese border between Hezbollah and the IDF. Farmers hope for UNIFIL's protection. Olive cultivation produces between 100,000 and 200,000 tonnes per year, 70 per cent for extraction.

Today's news: About 8,000 Rohingya have left Myanmar in recent months and taken refuge in Bangladesh; Thai king approved new government presented by PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra; Former governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Riad Salameh arrested; Fumio Kishida in Seoul Nov. 6-7 to revive alliance with South Korea.

In AsiaNews, the Jordanian scholar underlines the degree of ‘autonomy’ with which Nasrallah moves, who has turned Lebanon into the ‘front line’ to protect Tehran's interests. The militias supported by the Islamic Republic in the various countries of the Middle East are useful in pursuing the strategy of chaos. Pezeshkian ‘dialogue’ face with the West to ease sanctions.

A delegation of relatives of those killed in the port explosion received in private audience by Francis this morning. The pontiff's closeness in the fight against impunity and obstacles to the investigation. This was followed by a Mass celebrated by the Secretary of State Card. Parolin. A meeting that follows a day of tension (and war) between Israel and Hezbollah. Nasrallah: crossed "all red lines".