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French Catholic charity decries Israeli demolition of Yaroun convent

5/5/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

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L'Oeuvre d'Orient Condemns Demolition

French Catholic charity L'Oeuvre d'Orient condemned Israel’s demolition of a convent in Yaroun as a deliberate attack on Christian heritage.
The Israeli army said troops damaged a house in the Yaroun compound after failing to recognize it as worship space.
The charity said Melkite churches in Yaroun and Derdghaya were destroyed in 2024.
It reported 155 attacks on clergy in 2025, including a nun assault near Jerusalem’s Cenacle.

Right

IDF Targets Hezbollah

The Israel Defense Forces asserted the Yaroun mission targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, rejecting reports of a bulldozed convent.
Israeli troops entered the Yaroun convent, causing mild damage and finding no external religious symbols.
Israeli courts tried two soldiers for destroying a Debel crucifix and provided a replacement cross.
President Donald Trump said United States is working to extend the cease-fire by three weeks.

History

Historical Context

In April-May 2002 the Israeli Defense Forces besieged Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity during Operation Defensive Shield, killing eight Palestinians and uncovering 40 explosive devices while surrounding monks and civilians. The 38-day standoff drew UN Security Council action and US diplomatic pressure, establishing a precedent that military incursions at sacred sites repeatedly spark interfaith tension and international intervention.

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L'Oeuvre d'Orient Condemns Demolition

French Catholic charity L'Oeuvre d'Orient condemned Israel’s demolition of a convent in Yaroun as a deliberate attack on Christian heritage.
The Israeli army said troops damaged a house in the Yaroun compound after failing to recognize it as worship space.
The charity said Melkite churches in Yaroun and Derdghaya were destroyed in 2024.
It reported 155 attacks on clergy in 2025, including a nun assault near Jerusalem’s Cenacle.

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