Urgent Appeal from Tyre Bishops to Lebanon's Political and Military Authorities

The bishops of Tyre—Metropolitans George Iskandar, Elias Kfouri, and Bishop Charbel Abdullah—issued the following statement:

“In light of the severe escalation occurring in the city of Tyre, and the increasing threats faced by residential neighborhoods, we urgently appeal to His Excellency the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the Parliament, the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defense, the Commander of the Lebanese Army, and all relevant officials to take immediate and serious action to spare the Old Quarter neighborhood in Tyre from destruction and humanitarian catastrophe.

The Old Quarter is not merely a residential area; it is the historical and human heart of Tyre, home to thousands of civilians including families, children, and the elderly. It also preserves a cultural, religious, and civilizational heritage that dates back many centuries. Any targeting or destruction of this neighborhood would constitute an irreversible humanitarian and national disaster.

We call on all officials to act promptly from their respective positions and responsibilities, exerting the utmost political, diplomatic, and security efforts to protect innocent civilians, safeguard both private and public property, and preserve the remaining elements essential to resilience and life in this ancient city.

Furthermore, we urge the international community, as well as United Nations and humanitarian organizations, to fulfill their ethical and humanitarian duties by working to protect the civilian population in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to prevent further exposure to danger and calamity.

The people of Tyre deserve life and security, not fear, displacement, and destruction. It is a national and humanitarian obligation for everyone to act now before it is too late.

May God protect Tyre and its people, and safeguard Lebanon from all harm.”