Christian Border Villages Urge Government to Fulfill Responsibilities

The Christian Border Villages Assembly in southern Lebanon issued a statement expressing deep concern over the repeated shelling targeting their villages and residents, resulting in civilian casualties, injuries, and destruction of homes, property, and infrastructure.

The statement highlighted that these attacks have imposed a harsh reality of fear and isolation on the inhabitants who have chosen to remain on their land despite the difficult circumstances.

It noted that several roads leading to some villages have become blocked or extremely dangerous, especially in the western sector, causing near-total isolation that threatens citizens' safety and obstructs access to essential aid and services.

In addition to severe damage to homes and property, the border villages are experiencing a significant decline in healthcare services due to the closure or malfunction of several health centers and clinics.

The assembly affirmed that the residents of the border villages are full Lebanese citizens entitled to all rights, and it is the Lebanese state's duty to protect their lives, ensure their safety, safeguard their property, and guarantee their right to live with dignity and remain on their land.

Accordingly, the assembly demands the Lebanese government:

1. To assume its national and constitutional responsibilities toward the border villages and their inhabitants.

2. To immediately work on opening safe humanitarian and medical corridors that ensure the access of citizens, aid, medical teams, and relief groups to the affected and isolated villages.

3. To rehabilitate and reopen health centers and clinics in the border villages, providing them with the necessary equipment, medicines, and medical staff.

4. To support hospitals receiving patients from the border areas and enable them to continue offering services under the current conditions.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that the villagers remain attached to their land, roots, and history, but this steadfastness cannot replace the state's fulfillment of its duties. It warned that ongoing silence and inaction will only increase the humanitarian and national losses suffered by this cherished region of Lebanon.