Christian churches in Lebanon have opened their doors to those seeking refuge from the devastating impact of ongoing military action as the standoff between Hezbollah and Israel escalates.

Israeli airstrikes targeting the Islamist militia Hezbollah, designated a terrorist group by the UK government and which is based in Lebanon, are “affecting everyone”, says Marielle Boutros, project coordinator at Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Lebanon.

“All south Lebanon is being targeted,” Boutros says, adding that this is resulting in many residents seeking shelter in churches. “These are not purely Shia or Hezbollah areas, and we have a lot of Christian families living there.”