Lebanon Wildfires: Israel Accused of Setting South Ablaze

Lebanese firefighters have accused Israeli forces of intentionally igniting wildfires across southern Lebanon using drones and incendiary munitions, according to reports shared with the Guardian. Civil defense officials say drones have dropped incendiary materials while white phosphorus shells and illumination flares have been fired into woodland and agricultural areas.

Hussein Fakih, head of civil defense in the Nabatieh region, estimated that fires have affected between 30 and 40 percent of land in some areas near the frontline in the nearly two months since a June 17 ceasefire largely halted fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The allegations point to continued destruction and instability in southern Lebanon even after the ceasefire took effect, raising concerns about the safety of civilians, agricultural livelihoods and the environment in a region already devastated by conflict.

Displaced residents who hoped to return home now face the additional threat of uncontrolled fires consuming farmland, forests and communities close to the frontline.