French people are outraged by the Israeli army attacks on Christian symbols.

Esra Taşkın

AA / France – Saint-Denis / Esra Taskin

Les Français, qui considèrent que le fait qu’un soldat israélien ait brisé une statue de Jésus au Liban constitue un “manque de respect”, ont souligné que les attaques et destructions de l’armée israélienne à Gaza et au Liban sont des problèmes bien plus graves.

Lors des attaques d’Israël contre la bande de Gaza après octobre 2023, des sites archéologiques et des musées, ainsi que des bâtiments religieux et historiques, ont également été endommagés.

**Fact Check: Confirm the dates and incidents mentioned with reliable sources.**

**Context: The article discusses the views of French citizens regarding the actions of an Israeli soldier in Lebanon, contrasting perceived disrespect with more severe attacks by the Israeli army in Gaza and Lebanon.**
**Fact Check: Verify the information and statements made by UNESCO regarding the damage to cultural sites in Gaza and Lebanon.**

**Context: The UNESCO intervention to protect cultural heritage in Lebanon after intensified attacks by Israel is highlighted.**

In a declaration on April 1, the organization noted that 39 cultural properties in Lebanon had been temporarily placed under enhanced protection.

Photos showing an Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Jesus at Deyr Seryan in southern Lebanon, occupied by the Israeli army, circulated on social media.

The swift spread of these images triggered reactions from many people, particularly in the Christian world.

In Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, the French expressed to Anadolu their indignation at this behavior of the Israeli soldier and the destruction by the Israeli army in Lebanon and Gaza.

– “They are attacking our faith”

Priest Yves C., in front of the historic basilica of Saint-Denis, stated regarding the attacked statue of Jesus: “The destruction of this statue saddens me, as they are attacking our faith, they are attacking Jesus who brings us joy.”

He emphasized that there was no justification for attacking objects related to faith or worship: “Lebanon has a Christian tradition, so this must be difficult for them (the Lebanese) to live with.”

– “Part of a general destruction process”

Philosophy professor Souad K. commented on the statue’s destruction: “This is part of a general destruction process that has shocked me from the beginning, showing a lack of respect for a culture different from ours.”

She stressed that what shocks her the most is the death of innocent civilians and the destruction of living conditions, noting that in Gaza, not only places of worship and culture, but also sewers have been destroyed.

About the Israeli attacks on Gaza, Souad K. stated: “It’s ethnic cleansing.”

Sofia K., a resident of Saint-Denis, also deemed the destruction of the statue of Jesus serious: “I think the images from Lebanon and Gaza are more serious. I think Israel shows us more severe images.”

Referring to the events in Lebanon as an Israeli attack, she added: “This should be punished by international law.”

*Translated from Turkish by Ayse Bashoruz