A humanitarian convoy led by the Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, was forced to change its route on Thursday after coming under crossfire between the Israeli army (IDF) and Hezbollah militias. The convoy of 45 trucks and vehicles carrying food aid, medicines, and fuel was heading to three Christian villages in southern Lebanon when gunfire broke out shortly before reaching Debel, south of Tyre. Archbishop Borgia told Vatican media it was “not possible to continue along the route” coordinated with authorities due to the added insecurity.
The convoy had departed Beirut early in the morning carrying food supplies, fruit, vegetables, water, medicines, and fuel destined for Debel, Ain Ebel, and Rmeich. It also carried goods for local shops facing shortages, and supplies for farmers and livestock breeders to help life in the villages gradually resume. Cars with local residents were also part of the convoy. They wanted to return home after weeks of displacement. “There were no panic among those present when the shooting occurred,” the Nuncio said, but “these are frightening situations, but one tries to deal with them calmly and keep a cool head in the moment.”
The convoy had to turn back and take an entirely different route, obtaining new authorizations to travel safely. After “a journey of 10 hours,” it eventually reached Debel. Archbishop Borgia stressed the crucial importance of delivering aid to villages effectively isolated by ongoing military operations. “We are in a situation of war, but we will continue our commitment to helping the people. I believe there will already be another convoy next week,” he said.
Yesterday’s mission was the twentieth visit to southern Lebanon by the Nuncio since the war began on March 2, including 17 humanitarian convoys and 3 pastoral visits.“It is important to be present because this gives people the possibility of remaining in their communities and surviving,” he continued. Beyond material assistance, “with our presence, we bring the presence of the Pope, of the universal Church, and of the Lebanese Church, together with closeness and solidarity, because people need to feel understood and accompanied, embraced by the love of the Church itself.”