Italian peacekeepers replace crucifix desecrated in south Lebanon

ROME, April ‌23 (Reuters) - Italian ​UN ​peacekeepers have replaced the statue of Jesus Christ vandalised ‌by Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, ⁠Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on ‌Thursday.

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.

"I would like to thank Commander Diodato Abagnara and ​the entire Italian ‌UNIFIL contingent for deciding to donate a new crucifix ⁠to the Lebanese village of Debel," Meloni said in a statement.

"The images ⁠of the statue being handed over to ​the community and placed in the very spot where the statue destroyed a few ‌days ago by an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldier once ‌stood are heart-warming and send ⁠a powerful message ‌of hope, ​dialogue and peace," she added.

(Reporting by Angelo AmanteEditing by Rod ‌Nickel)

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• Netcapital charged by US SEC with fraud for allegedly inflating revenue
• Fire breaks out at diesel tank at Libya's Zawiya oil depot - statement
• Trump says future of 'weaponization' fund is up to Blanche