The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has highlighted the symbolic value of the repositioning of a crucifix in the Lebanese village of Debel, after it was destroyed days earlier by a soldier from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), emphasizing that it is a gesture that conveys “a powerful message of hope, dialogue, and peace”.
Thanks to the Italian contingent in Lebanon
According to a statement from the Italian Government, Meloni wanted to expressly thank Commander Diodato Abagnara and the entire Italian contingent deployed in the UNIFIL mission for their decision to donate a new image to the local community.
The Prime Minister particularly appreciated that the new crucifix was placed in the same place where the previous one was, destroyed just a few days earlier, which reinforces the symbolic nature of the gesture.
A gesture that “fills the heart”
Meloni stated that the images of the delivery and placement of the crucifix “fill the heart,” highlighting the importance of this type of actions in contexts marked by tension and violence.
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The gesture, promoted by Italian troops in southern Lebanon, was interpreted by the Government as a sign of closeness to the local population and respect for religious symbols.