Italian UN peacekeepers restore crucifix in Lebanon’s Debel after IDF desecration, signaling hope amid war and global condemnation.
Newsroom (24/04/2026 Gaudium Press)In the southern Lebanese village of Debel, a powerful symbol of faith has been restored after an act of desecration that reverberated far beyond the country’s borders. A crucifix destroyed earlier this week by a soldier of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now stands again in its original place, replaced by Italian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed an Israeli soldier repeatedly striking the head of a statue of the crucified Christ with a blunt weapon. The act, carried out in a predominantly Christian area, drew swift and widespread condemnation, with religious leaders and political figures denouncing it as a grave offense against both faith and human dignity.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly thanked the Italian UNIFIL contingent for donating the replacement crucifix. She singled out Commander Diodato Abagnara and his troops, describing their gesture as deeply meaningful.
“The images of the statue’s delivery to the community and its placement, in the same spot where the statue was destroyed a few days earlier by an IDF soldier, fill my heart and convey a powerful message of hope, dialogue, and peace,” Meloni said.
The restoration ceremony took place on April 22, when Lebanon’s papal nuncio, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, visited Debel to oversee the installation. The new statue, closely resembling the original, was first brought into St. George Church before being erected outdoors by residents.
Footage posted online showed Italian UN peacekeepers carrying the crucifix wrapped in white cloth. In a moment that resonated widely, one soldier kissed the head of the statue before it was presented to the community. Another image showed a UNIFIL soldier standing in silent prayer before the newly installed cross.
Following the damage to a crucifix in Debel, South Lebanon by IDF, 🇮🇹 peacekeepers with @UNIFIL_ stepped in to replace it. A gesture beyond faith, speaking to dignity, respect, and coexistence.
PM @GiorgiaMeloni called it a powerful message of peace, hope, and dialogue. pic.twitter.com/tJz3aQ1UP7— Italy in Lebanon (@ItalyinLebanon) April 23, 2026
For the people of Debel, the return of the crucifix carried profound emotional weight. “The townspeople of Debel are so very happy and appreciative to have their statue of Jesus Christ once again present among us,” said Father Fadi Felefli, the parish priest of St. George Church.
Expressions of faith and resilience quickly spread among residents. “Hallelujah … JESUS will never leave us,” wrote Alice Hajj, a local resident, in a social media post. Another villager, speaking anonymously, reflected on the deeper meaning of the incident: “He who destroyed the cross did not realize its meaning. … After the cross comes the resurrection.”
The desecration also prompted an official response from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an apology, while the military announced disciplinary measures against those involved. Two soldiers were removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days in military detention. The IDF stated that their actions were “completely contrary to orders and values.”
In a separate move, the Israeli army reported that it had replaced the destroyed statue with a smaller crucifix, now kept inside the village church.
Religious authorities across the region reacted with strong condemnation. The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land expressed “deep indignation and unreserved condemnation,” calling the act a serious violation of religious respect and warning of a broader pattern of attacks on Christian symbols in southern Lebanon.
Debel, one of the few Christian villages in the south where residents have remained despite ongoing conflict, has endured mounting hardship. The area lies within a volatile region affected by the war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Since the escalation began on March 2, violence has taken a heavy toll.
“Recently our suffering has increased greatly. It has deeply wounded our homes and broken hearts,” Father Felefli said, referencing casualties including Maronite Catholic priest Father Pierre al-Rahi and widespread destruction of homes and businesses.
Despite these conditions, residents have chosen to stay. “We have faced many obstacles, but we are steadfast because we have placed our trust in God,” Felefli said.
The broader conflict continues to cast a shadow over the region. Israeli forces remain active in southern Lebanon, where they have seized territory and continue operations despite a ceasefire. Lebanese officials have pushed for renewed diplomatic efforts, with talks held in Washington aimed at extending the fragile truce.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 2,400 people have been killed since the latest escalation began. The conflict has also displaced communities and intensified humanitarian needs, with organizations such as the Catholic Near East Welfare Association working to provide aid.
For now, in Debel, the restored crucifix stands as both a religious symbol and a quiet act of defiance. In a place marked by loss and uncertainty, its reappearance signals continuity — and, for many, hope.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Prensa and OSV News
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