A Maronite priest in southern Lebanon was killed by IDF tank fire in the area, Lebanon's official news agency NNA stated on Monday in a report corroborated by Christian organizations within Israel.
The priest, named as Father Pierre al-Raei, was a parish priest in Qaliya, a Christian village near the border, close to Metula.
Raei was critically wounded when the Israeli tank fired at a house in the village, according to reports, and later died of his wounds.
The first shell was reportedly fired at a house on the outskirts of the village due to a suspicion that Hezbollah terrorists had entered it, but it reportedly hit the homeowner and his wife.
Neighbors, including Raei and members of the local Red Cross, went to assist in evacuating the wounded, after which a second shell was fired, killing Raei and injuring at least three others.
Raei was known for opposing Hezbollah terrorists and attempting to prevent the organization from operating from the village, trying to keep weapons out of the area, and was in contact with Israeli officials.
IDF confirms tanks fire shells at suspected terrorists
On Tuesday, the IDF confirmed that tanks fired at suspected terrorists attempting to enter a house near where IDF soldiers were operating in southern Lebanon, but the military's statement did not directly link the incident with the shell fire that caused Raei's fatal injuries.
NNA shared messages from the Lebanese military, government, and Christian Maronite authorities eulogizing Raei.