Tyre: An Israeli threat to target the Christian quarter in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre has drawn renewed attention to one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, deeply tied to its social and religious history. The quarter, home to churches and heritage buildings, suddenly finds itself at the center of the ongoing military escalation in southern Lebanon. As fears grow that attacks could expand, residents of the neighborhood are living in a state of anxiety and anticipation.
According to Anadolu Agency, local officials and residents emphasize that the area is an authentic part of Tyre's historic fabric, which includes sites listed as World Heritage sites. They warn that any escalation could threaten both its residents and its long-standing architectural heritage. On Tuesday, the Israeli army threatened to force residents of the Christian quarter to leave, alleging Hezbollah activity in the area. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee claimed the evacuation order for several areas in Tyre did not include the city's Christian quarter. However, he warned that if Hezbollah members allegedly continued to operate inside the Christian quarter, the Israeli army would issue an evacuation warning for it.
The neighborhood, known locally as 'Haret al-Masihiyin,' is in the northwestern part of Tyre. It includes churches, heritage buildings, and old alleys dating to different historical periods. Tyre is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with roots dating back to the Phoenician civilization. Although Tyre and its district have a Shiite majority, the Christian quarter maintains its historical and religious presence. Christian families have lived there for decades, contributing to the city's public life through church, educational, and social institutions.
The Israeli threat has raised fears among Tyre residents that attacks could expand to include densely populated neighborhoods, especially as the city is a major residential and economic center in southern Lebanon. Residents fear another wave of displacement, compounded by the city's growing economic and service pressures amid ongoing Israeli attacks.
Local estimates indicate that the number of residents has gradually declined due to fears of Israeli attacks. The number dropped at earlier stages to about 250 families before reaching about 100 people in some neighborhoods at the height of tensions. Tyre municipal council member Walid al-Taweel noted that the neighborhood is home to about 13,000 people, most of them Christians.
Garo Madi, a resident of the neighborhood, expressed confusion among residents due to the Israeli threat. Metropolitan George Iskandar, pastor of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Tyre, emphasized the community's resolve to remain in Tyre despite the difficult conditions, describing their presence as 'a historical extension rooted in the land.' He called for protecting civilians and sparing the city the consequences of war, expressing hope for wisdom to prevent further escalation.
Israel has launched a deadly offensive against Lebanon since March 2, resulting in significant casualties and displacements. Despite a ceasefire that began on April 17, Israel has continued offensive actions through daily shelling and widespread demolition of homes in southern Lebanon.