Humanitarian convoy led by Nuncio in Lebanon caught in crossfire

By Giada Aquilino

A humanitarian convoy organized by the Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, together with Caritas and other Catholic organizations, and headed toward three Christian villages in the south of the Cedar Country, was forced on Thursday to change its route “because of an exchange of fire between the parties” — the Israeli army (IDF) and Hezbollah militias.

Archbishop Borgia himself reported the incident to Vatican media, explaining what happened shortly before the group of 45 trucks and vehicles, which had departed from Beirut early in the morning, reached the village of Debel, south of Tyre. “It was not possible to continue along the route” that had been coordinated with the relevant authorities, the Archbishop explained, because of the additional insecurity that had arisen.

The humanitarian convoy of June 11 led by the Apostolic Nuncio

Food, Medicine, and Fuel

“We were all in our vehicles, in a long convoy carrying various kinds of humanitarian aid, especially food supplies, fruit, vegetables, water, as well as medicines and fuel,” destined not only for the population of Debel but also for two other villages, Ain Ebel and Rmeich. “There were also goods intended for local shops — given the current shortage of supplies — and at the same time for farmers and livestock breeders, so that life in the villages might gradually begin again in some way.”

Among the vehicles were also cars carrying local residents. They simply wanted to return to their homes after being displaced for weeks. In a situation of ongoing escalation, the Nuncio said there was no panic among those present when the shooting occurred, but reflected: “These are frightening situations, but one tries to deal with them calmly and keep a cool head in the moment.”

Material aid and the presence of the Church

As a result, the convoy “had to turn back and take an entirely different route, obtaining new authorizations in order to travel safely.” Nevertheless, after “a journey of 10 hours,” it eventually reached Debel.

Archbishop Borgia with residents from the Christian villages reached by the humanitarian aid convoy

What Archbishop Borgia emphasizes is the crucial importance of delivering aid to villages that are effectively isolated from the rest of the country because of the ongoing military operations. The goal, he stressed, “is to return” to those areas. “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.”

Yesterday’s mission, he added, “was the twentieth visit to southern Lebanon, with 17 humanitarian convoys and 3 pastoral visits, since the beginning of the war” in Lebanon on March 2. “It is important to be present,” he continued, “because this gives people the possibility of remaining in their communities and surviving.” And it is more than 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.”