Debel, Lebanon. Italian UN peacekeepers have replaced a statue of Jesus Christ that was vandalised by Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday.
Crucifix replaced after vandalism
A photo showing the desecration of a crucifix smashed in the village of Debel drew widespread condemnation this week. The two soldiers involved have been removed from combat duty and placed in detention for 30 days.
Meloni thanks Italian UNIFIL contingent
Meloni said in a statement that she wanted to thank Commander Diodato Abagnara and the entire Italian UNIFIL contingent for deciding to donate a new crucifix to Debel.
New statue installed at original site
Meloni said images of the statue being handed over to the community and placed in the same spot where it previously stood were “heart-warming” and conveyed “a powerful message of hope, dialogue and peace.”
What impact do you think the replacement of the crucifix will have on the community in Debel?