Scores of people are mourning and sharing information about a Syrian boy who was killed in the town of Juya in south Lebanon’s Tyre district on Monday.
According to Lebanon’s official National News Agency, the child, identified as Rashid Jassim Al-Alawi, was killed by his Lebanese neighbour.
The perpetrator, a 25-year-old who has not yet been named, lured the child into his home before slitting his throat with a knife, causing his death.
The child’s body was reportedly transferred to Jabal Amel Hospital.
Local reports state that the perpetrator has been arrested pending charges.
Investigators are also searching the scene and looking into the motives behind the crime.
According to The New Arab's Arabic language sister publication, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the suspect was reported to have experienced mental health issues in addition to struggles with alleged substance misuse.
Local reports claimed that he had previously attempted to take his own life.
His family issued a statement expressing their condemnation of the crime, describing it as "heinous and horrific."
In the statement, the family stressed their "complete rejection of these actions," adding, "Consequently, we distance ourselves from him and pledge to support the victim's family in any way possible. We also call on the relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate legal measures are taken against the suspect."
The incident has sparked widespread controversy on social media, and sent shockwaves among Syrian and Lebanese communities, with many demanding accountability.
Syrian refugees who fled to Lebanon after the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011 have long suffered discrimination and racism, with a series of violent incidents against them.
Various reports state that Al-Alawi is originally from the town of Al-Quriyah, east of Deir ez-Zor.
Online, many people shared photos of Al-Alawi, calling for accountability.
Some called it a "horrific crime", while others said that the incident "shakes the human conscience".
The killing comes after fighters believed to be affiliated to Hezbollah launched an attack on Syrian territory, kidnapping and killing three soldiers.
At least seven people were killed and 52 wounded in Lebanon in resulting clashes on the border with Syria.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has instructed the army to respond to violence in the country, particularly along the northern and eastern borders with Syria.