12/28/2022 Lebanon (International Christian Concern) –  Bishops in Lebanon and Ireland have united in condemning the murder of an Irish United Nations peacekeeper whose vehicle was attacked by gunfire on December 14. His memorial service was held on Sunday. Two others were wounded but have since been discharged from the hospital.

UN peacekeepers have long had a presence in Lebanon and attacks against their personnel have occurred in the past, but these are historically rare . However, Lebanon has deteriorated rapidly in recent years as a significant economic crisis has had widespread consequences across the entire country. The nation is further significantly impacted by Hezbollah, a political party with connections to the Iranian government who is also recognized as a terrorist group. Hezbollah has a large amount of influence in Lebanon and their activities impact the nation’s security situation. Lebanon is unique in that the Christian community is given equal representation in the government, allowing them to have political influence unparalleled in the Middle East. There is much concern among the Christian community about the direction Lebanon appears to be taking and what that means for the country’s future. 

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