Lebanese Firefighters Accuse Israel of Starting Wildfires in South

Firefighters and residents in southern Lebanon are accusing Israel's military of deliberately starting wildfires that have ravaged olive groves, forests, and agricultural land. Reports, citing videos and witness statements, suggest the use of drones, flares, and highly flammable white phosphorus in igniting the blazes.

These fires have notably increased since a ceasefire, brokered on June 17, largely paused direct combat between the Lebanese militia Hezbollah and Israel. The British media outlet The Guardian has reported on these incidents, documenting the destruction caused by the fires.

Hussein Fakih, head of civil defense in the Nabatieh region, described a harrowing situation where firefighters had to retreat after a drone strike occurred near a fire they were battling. "Most of our missions now relate to fires. There are huge forest areas that have burned down," he stated.

Fakih indicated that while precise figures are unavailable, some areas close to the front lines have seen 30-40 percent of their land affected by the fires. Environmental groups have observed a pattern of attacks targeting natural resources and biodiversity in the region.

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Most of our missions now relate to fires. There are huge forest areas that have burned down.