Lebanon’s Christians Decry Being Used As Human Shields By Hezbollah

Rmeich's sign is seen amidst tension between Israel and Hezbollah, in the Christian village of Rmeich, Lebanon, October 31, 2023.
Rmeich's sign is seen amidst tension between Israel and Hezbollah, in the Christian village of Rmeich, Lebanon, October 31, 2023.

Christian communities in southern Lebanon have openly opposed Hezbollah’s rocket launches towards Israel as they are used as human shields in the ongoing conflict.

Speaking on behalf of the residents of Rmeish village (also Rmaych and Rmaich) in the region, a local stated that they categorically reject any attempt to use villages as launch sites for attacks on Israel.

Hezbollah and Israeli forces have exchanged fire repeatedly in the months since the Gaza war began following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Another local emphasized the consequences of Hezbollah's actions, saying, "Due to the war, which has nothing to do with the people of the region and is nothing but the destruction of Lebanon, they have suffered economic losses. They decided to return to their homes out of fear of displacement."

Hezbollah has sent over 3,000 projectiles to Israel since October and over 100,000 Israelis have subsequently been displaced.

As the conflict continues, casualties continue to mount on both sides, with Hezbollah sustaining significant losses to its faculties and command structure.

However, the Christian communities remain resolute in their opposition to Hezbollah's tactics as they are used as human shields.

With Easter festivities on the horizon, tensions are expected to remain high as Hezbollah remains committed to its battle against Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza.