Christians across Lebanon gathered in churches to mark Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah cast a somber shadow over the celebrations. Services were held in the southern city of Tyre and in Beirut's southern suburbs, despite these areas being largely deserted following Israeli evacuation orders and ongoing air strikes.

Worshippers prayed earnestly for peace, with Lebanon's history of sectarian tensions – rooted in the 1975–1990 civil war between Christians and Muslims – serving as a poignant backdrop. As 20-year-old university student Mahia Jamus in Beirut noted, "There's no bombing here right now, but no one is safe from this—not the Christians, not anyone. No one is spared from its effects."

In Tyre, where many residents have remained despite Israeli evacuation orders, Christians sought solace in preserving their sacred traditions amid the surrounding devastation. Speaking from a centuries-old stone church, 41-year-old Roseth Katra stated, "Amid the wars, the tragedies, and the destruction happening around us, we remain on our land. Today is Palm Sunday, and we are celebrating."

According to Lebanon's Ministry of Health, at least 1,238 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2, with the rapidly widening regional conflict now entering its second month. Israeli troops have launched a ground invasion, advancing towards the Litani River, while Hezbollah has claimed dozens of operations against Israeli forces in the past 24 hours.

Source: www.aljazeera.com