BEIRUT: The Israeli military has destroyed a monastery and a nuns’ school in South of Lebanon following the destruction of homes, shops, roads, and other local landmarks, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported on Friday.
Entire neighbourhoods in the border village of Yaroun, have been systematically destroyed amid ongoing hostilities.
National News Agency further reported that Israeli officials have indicated an intent to replicate the scale of devastation seen in Gaza during the war, now in parts of Lebanon.
The report also noted that Christian towns in southern Lebanon have been affected, referencing an incident last month in which footage of an Israeli soldier damaging a statue of Jesus in the region sparked international criticism.
Separately, at least two people were killed and two others injured in Israeli airstrikes on the southern town of Deir Qanoun Ras Al Ain, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
The agency also reported separate strikes on the towns of Haboush, Kfar, Majdal Zoun, as well as the outskirts of Tyre.
The Israeli attacks across Lebanon have so far killed at least 2,618 people since the start of the war on March 2, Lebanon’s health ministry said.
Lebanese President discusses ceasefire with US envoy
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has met with US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa to discuss the ongoing ceasefire.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed recent developments, with a particular focus on maintaining the ceasefire and ending attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
استقبل رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون في قصر بعبدا ظهر اليوم السفير الأميركي في لبنان ميشال عيسى بعد عودته من واشنطن وعرض معه التطورات الراهنة لا سيما ملف تثبيت وقف اطلاق النار ووقف استهداف المدنيين والمنشآت المدنية تمهيدا لاستكمال الاجتماعات في واشنطن ما يؤدي الى تحقيق انجاز… pic.twitter.com/g4nuQlj0FF
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) May 1, 2026
UN chief warns against wider Middle East crisis
The United Nations Chief António Guterres has warned that with the Middle East war in its third month, the “whole of humanity is paying the price”.
In a post on X, the UN chief said, “The Middle East crisis is in its third month & the whole of humanity is paying the price”.
He called on all parties to “refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire”. He added that the world needed a “peaceful, comprehensive, and durable resolution to the conflict”.
The Middle East crisis is in its third month & the whole of humanity is paying the price.
All sides must refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire. The world needs a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable resolution to the conflict.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 1, 2026
