South Lebanon agricultural land damaged by 22.5% following Israeli strikes

Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani has announced that over 22.5% of agricultural land in southern Lebanon, totaling more than 56,000 hectares, has been damaged due to Israeli military attacks.

During a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, Hani detailed the extensive destruction affecting the sector. The damage follows an escalation in Israeli strikes despite a framework agreement reached in June. The minister noted that military operations have included land destruction and the use of white phosphorus, which complicates the ability of farmers to access their land and harvest crops.

To address the crisis, the ministry is seeking various funding sources. This includes a $40 million joint project with the World Bank aimed at rehabilitating the agricultural sector and direct support for farmers valued between $6 million and $7 million. Additionally, the ministry's 2027 budget includes provisions for infrastructure development at land crossings and ports.