Afghanistan, April 20 -- Images showing an Israel Defense Forces soldier destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon have sparked widespread outrage online and among Christian communities.
Middle East Eye reported that the image, which went viral on Sunday, drew strong reactions globally, with many condemning what they described as disrespect toward religious symbols.
The image shows a soldier using a hammer to damage a crucifix statue in the village of Debel, a predominantly Maronite Christian area near the Israeli border.
Local residents and Lebanon's Christian community condemned the act, calling it an insult to religious sanctities and part of a broader pattern of attacks on Christian sites.
Debel is located close to the...