Two guided missiles were fired from Lebanon towards “Metulla” in northeastern Palestine. – Photo from the Resistance News Network Telegram channel
CAIRO – August 21, 2024: Lebanese Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan has announced that Israeli forces burned about 60,000 olive trees, some of which are over 300 years old, during recent hostilities.
In an exclusive interview with Al-Qahira News, Hassan stressed the seriousness of the damage to Lebanon’s agricultural sector, especially in the south.
“We prioritized the export of citrus fruits, bananas and other agricultural products from the south during the conflict,” Hassan explained. “But that is not enough. The damage is enormous and a comprehensive assessment is needed once the Israeli aggression ends.”
The minister stressed the devastating impact of the attacks on the southern region, where 54 villages are bombarded daily with internationally banned white phosphorus. At least 6,000 hectares of farmland have been completely or partially burned.
Hassan condemned Israel’s actions as a crime against humanity and said: “By burning these ancient olive trees, Israel believes it can weaken Lebanon and the resistance.”
This is illogical, immoral and inhumane.” He added that Lebanon has filed numerous complaints against Israel but continues to support its farmers in the south.
