Lebanon: Israel destroys historic Shrine of Shimon in Shama
Israeli forces deliberately detonated explosives on the historic Shrine of Shimon in the southern Lebanese village of Shama completely destroying it on November 15th, according to TheNewArab.
The Shrine of Shimon is revered among Shias and Christians, with Christians believing Saint Shimon is buried there and Shiite worshippers having constructed sites to honour end-times saviour Imam Mahdi, and its ruin sparked widespread condemnation.
One social media user wrote: “Simon, by the way, is one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. He is also the cousin of the Virgin Mary. Today the Zionists are destroying it.”
Lebanese sources said Israeli soldiers directly targeted the site after making an incursion into the strategic village.
Shama’s location makes it an important asset for both sides as it overlooks the coastal city of Tyre and is located 5.7km from the border.
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Though the Israelis were forced to withdraw under intense resistance by Hezbollah militants, Lebanese media said the attack was the deepest into Lebanon Israeli ground forces had reached since mid-September’s escalation.
Israel did not issue a statement on the destruction of the shrine but said their troops were carrying out “limited, localised” operations in southern Lebanon.
The incursion comes after Israel’s Defense Minister declared there will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah on November 12th, according to Levantis.me
Israel Katz said on X that, during a meeting with military officials, he reiterated that Israel will continue hitting Lebanon’s Hezbollah with full force.
The paramilitary group restated it had enough weapons for a “long war” and keeping up rocket fire into Israel.
TheNewArab and Levantis.me
