Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

The Israeli military has opened an investigation after a soldier was photographed smoking and placing another cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon, triggering outrage among Christian leaders and residents in the region.

The controversial image, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, was reportedly taken in the Christian-majority village of Debel in southern Lebanon. The incident has intensified tensions amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the soldier’s conduct as unacceptable and said the military viewed the matter with “utmost severity.”

According to the military, the soldier’s actions were inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of Israeli troops. The IDF added that disciplinary action would be taken after the completion of an internal investigation.

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Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that the photograph had been taken several weeks earlier and stressed that the military respects religious freedom and holy sites.

“The IDF respects freedom of religion and worship, as well as holy sites and religious symbols of all religions and communities,” he said.

The controversy comes only weeks after another incident in the same village where an Israeli soldier was filmed striking a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross with a sledgehammer. Following widespread criticism, two soldiers involved in that case reportedly received 30-day prison sentences and were removed from combat duties.

Reacting to the latest incident, head of Debel’s congregation, Father Fadi Felfeli, condemned the act, describing it as offensive and unethical.

“Honestly, this issue really provoked us, especially after the apology regarding the cross,” he told the BBC.

Father Felfeli accused some members of the Israeli army of displaying intolerance toward Christians and religious symbols.

“It also shows that there are individuals within the army that lack ethics and values and are bigoted. This reflects a great deal of fanaticism,” he added.

Although the Virgin Mary statue was not physically damaged, the cleric said the act reflected extremism and disrespect toward a peaceful Christian community that has tried to remain neutral during the conflict.

The Custodia Terrae Sanctae, which represents the Roman Catholic Church in the Holy Land, also condemned the incident. The organisation described the soldier’s actions as “disrespectful and outrageous behaviour” and called on Israeli authorities to ensure accountability.

The church body urged the Israeli government and the military to send a strong message that attacks or acts of disrespect toward religious symbols would not be tolerated.

The incident has further raised concerns about growing hostility toward Christian sites and religious symbols amid the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict. Christian leaders have repeatedly warned against attacks on churches, clergy and sacred monuments in the region.

Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite a US-mediated ceasefire agreement that took effect in April. Israeli troops remain stationed in parts of southern Lebanon, while both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the truce.

Lebanese health authorities claim Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed more than 120 people in the past week, including civilians. Hezbollah has also continued rocket, drone and mortar attacks targeting Israeli troops and communities in northern Israel.

On Wednesday night, Israel carried out an air strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time since the ceasefire began. The Israeli military claimed the strike killed Ahmed Ali Balout, identified as a commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, although Hezbollah had not officially confirmed the claim at the time of reporting.

Lebanese officials say at least 2,715 people have been killed since the conflict escalated in March, while Israeli authorities report that 17 soldiers and one civilian have died in southern Lebanon. Two civilians have also reportedly been killed in northern Israel.

Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Media entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner, founder of CNN and one of the most influential figures in modern broadcasting, has died at the age of 87. He died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises, which confirmed his passing.

Born in Ohio and later based in Atlanta, Turner began his career at age 24 after taking over his father’s billboard advertising company following his death. From there, he expanded into radio and television, purchasing an Atlanta television station in 1970 and transforming it into a national “superstation” by 1976.

Turner’s business growth set the stage for his most defining achievement. On June 1, 1980, he launched the Cable News Network (CNN), the world’s first 24-hour television news channel. Despite early doubts about continuous news coverage, CNN quickly transformed global journalism, especially during major events such as the 1990 Gulf War, when its live reporting demonstrated the power of round-the-clock broadcasting.

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Over time, CNN expanded into multiple networks including CNN International and HLN, while Turner also built a wider media empire with channels such as TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network. CNN executives have described him as a fearless visionary whose ideas permanently reshaped global news reporting.

Beyond journalism, Turner built a major sports and entertainment empire. He acquired professional teams including the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks and invested heavily in sports broadcasting rights, helping expand the reach of televised sports in the United States.

Turner also became widely recognised for his philanthropic and environmental work. He founded the United Nations Foundation and pledged $1 billion to support UN programmes. He also launched environmental initiatives, including efforts to reintroduce bison to parts of the United States, and became one of the largest private land conservationists in North America. His animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers further promoted environmental awareness.

In 1991, Turner was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in recognition of his global media influence. He sold his media empire to Time Warner in 1996 and later stepped back from corporate leadership following the AOL-Time Warner merger.

Turner later revealed in 2018 that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition. He also recovered from a mild case of pneumonia in early 2025. He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Tributes have described him as a transformational figure whose vision changed how the world consumes news. Turner himself once said CNN was “the greatest achievement of my life,” underscoring the lasting impact of his work on global media.

CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Trump Threatens Escalated Bombing of Iran If War Deal Is Rejected

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh ultimatum to Iran, warning that the country could face intensified American airstrikes if it refuses to accept a proposed agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump said Iran must agree to previously negotiated terms or face renewed military action under what he described as a “higher level and intensity” bombing campaign.

“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is perhaps a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end,” Trump wrote.

“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” he added.

The statement marks another sharp shift in U.S. policy rhetoric, coming amid reports that Washington and Tehran are nearing a preliminary understanding on ending hostilities.

According to multiple international reports, including Axios, U.S. and Iranian negotiators are close to agreeing on a one-page framework document that would lay the groundwork for a broader nuclear and security deal.

The proposed agreement reportedly includes steps toward ending active hostilities, easing sanctions, and reopening key trade routes, including the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, which has been heavily impacted by recent tensions and shipping disruptions.

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Sources suggest the framework is being facilitated through intermediaries, including Pakistan and other regional actors, as diplomatic backchannels intensify efforts to prevent further escalation.

Trump also announced a temporary suspension of a U.S. military operation aimed at escorting stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation, which he referred to as “Project Freedom,” was paused just a day after its launch, following what he described as “requests from mediator Pakistan and other countries” and signs of progress in negotiations.

“We have mutually agreed that, while the blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom… will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump stated.

He also confirmed that U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports remain in place, as Tehran continues to enforce its own control measures over the vital shipping corridor.

The developments come amid heightened instability in the Gulf region, where commercial shipping has been repeatedly disrupted by security threats, naval warnings, and retaliatory actions between involved parties.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes, has remained a central flashpoint, with rising concerns over energy security and global market stability.

Recent reports indicate that fuel prices have already experienced volatility due to disruptions in maritime traffic and uncertainty over the duration of the crisis.

Despite signs of diplomatic movement, both sides remain far apart on key issues, particularly nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief, and regional security guarantees.

While Trump has suggested that “great progress” has been made toward a final agreement, Iranian officials have yet to publicly confirm acceptance of any framework, with earlier statements indicating reservations about U.S. conditions.

Analysts say the situation remains highly volatile, with diplomacy and military pressure unfolding simultaneously as global stakeholders watch closely for the next development.

Trump Threatens Escalated Bombing of Iran If War Deal Is Rejected