Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles called on April 9 for President Trump and the international community to provide greater humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, following a series of Israeli strikes that have caused significant casualties.
The appeal comes as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has spread into Lebanon, leading to what Bishop Zaidan described as devastating consequences for civilians. He said, “As the United States seeks a negotiated end to the war in Iran, I call on President Trump and the international community to ensure that the people of Lebanon receive greater access to humanitarian assistance, including food and medical supplies, especially in the south.”
Zaidan expressed gratitude for a ceasefire among the U.S., Israel, and Iran but noted disappointment that “the agreement does not cover Lebanon, and thus falls short of encompassing the entire region where the conflict has been raging.” Despite reports that Lebanon was included in an initial ceasefire plan after Trump’s ultimatum regarding Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz on April 7—which drew criticism from Pope Leo—Israeli attacks continued with a large-scale blitz on April 8. These attacks resulted in more than 300 deaths and over 1,000 injuries in densely populated areas.
According to Lebanese health officials cited by Bishop Zaidan, more than 1,700 people have died so far amid ongoing violence in Lebanon with over 5,800 wounded. He also highlighted that “over one million people, including 370,000 children,” have been displaced by fighting. The World Health Organization warned Lebanese hospitals may soon run out of critical medical equipment due to increased demand from recent casualties.
Efforts toward diplomacy remain uncertain; although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his Cabinet on April 9 to begin direct negotiations with Lebanese officials over a French-proposed peace plan aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Lebanon, he stressed there is still no ceasefire in place for Lebanon itself.
Bishop Zaidan reiterated calls for all parties involved—including Hezbollah—to work toward disarmament as required under United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 adopted in 2006. He added hope that both governments could eventually sign an agreement establishing lasting peace: “Hopefully, after that, the governments of Israel and Lebanon can sign an agreement for lasting peace.” In closing his statement he invoked prayers from Our Lady of Lebanon: “May Our Lady of Lebanon, Queen of Peace pray for her children in Lebanon and for the peace of the entire world.”
