Families displaced by ongoing Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon are finding refuge at the Saints Peter and Paul Monastery in the village of Qattine, according to reports from Al Jazeera on March 16, 2026. Clergy at the monastery have opened its doors to those fleeing the violence, providing food, shelter, and a space for prayer as thousands remain unable to return to their homes.
The monastery, located in the village of Qattine, is providing assistance amid a surge in violence that has impacted civilian infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that Israeli strikes have battered parts of southern Lebanon, forcing residents to seek safety elsewhere. The situation is particularly acute for communities near the border, where airstrikes have been frequent.
The Saints Peter and Paul Monastery is not the only religious site impacted by the conflict. Earlier this month, a Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest, Fr. Pierre El-Rahi, was killed when an Israeli airstrike hit near the monastery of St Simon el-Qarn in Aito, North Lebanon, according to Vatican News. The Holy Family Church was also reportedly struck in a separate incident. These attacks on religious sites have raised concerns about the preservation of Lebanon’s cultural heritage, with some observers describing Israel’s actions as a deliberate attempt to erase historical and human landmarks.
The village of Bouslaiya, like Qattine, has experienced the effects of the conflict. The church of St Peter and Paul in Bouslaiya has been damaged by airstrikes, with reports from October 2024 detailing the sound of ongoing attacks. The situation in these villages reflects a broader pattern of displacement and destruction across southern Lebanon.
As of March 16, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight. The Saints Peter and Paul Monastery continues to provide assistance to those displaced, but the long-term needs of the affected population remain substantial. The international community has yet to announce a coordinated response to address the growing humanitarian crisis.
