A Catholic priest was killed in artillery strikes by the Israeli military on a Christian village in south Lebanon on March 9. The attack formed part of Israel’s ongoing offensive following the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023.
Fr Pierre Al-Raai died after sustaining wounds when his house on the edge of Al Qlayaa, a Christian-majority village in the Marjayoun district, was struck by Israeli shells. Three others were also injured and taken to Marjayoun hospital, according to L’Orient Today.
Hanna Daher, who leads the Al Qlayaa Municipal Council, told the press he was unsure why his village had been targeted. “The reason for the shelling is unclear. Qlayaa is a safe area,” he said.
