BEKAA: In a significant gathering aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, the Christian-Islamic Spiritual Summit issued a strong final statement, urging immediate international intervention to halt Israeli aggression deemed a humanitarian massacre. The summit, held at the Patriarchal See in Bkerki, was marked by the participation of a broad array of religious leaders from both Christian and Islamic communities, emphasizing unity and immediate action in face of the crisis. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the summit took place under the auspices of Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi and included key figures such as the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian, among others. The discussions highlighted the severe impact of Israeli military actions, describing them as "brutal and savage aggression" and a blatant disregard for international laws and human rights. The summit also shed light on the extensive destruction in Gaza and the ongoing violence in various regio ns of Lebanon, including southern Lebanon, the Bekaa, and Beirut. The leaders at the summit put forth several urgent recommendations, chief among them a call for an immediate Security Council meeting to address what they described as a "humanitarian massacre" against Lebanon. The summit underscored the necessity of national unity and the immediate election of a President to stabilize and lead the country. Additionally, it emphasized the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Army and ensuring government control over the nation's security and administrative functions. The summit's final statement also highlighted the broader regional issue of the Palestinian cause, advocating for a fair and lasting resolution to grant Palestinians an independent state, as outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative. The religious leaders expressed their gratitude towards Lebanon's Arab and international allies and praised the UN peacekeepers for their role in maintaining regi onal stability. The statement concluded with a prayer for peace and divine protection over Lebanon, emphasizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The Christian-Islamic Spiritual Summit represents a significant consensus among Lebanon's religious communities, advocating for peace and stability in a region long plagued by conflict. The leaders' unified stance and call for immediate action reflect the urgency of the situation in Lebanon and the broader Middle Eastern context.
