Al-Mays pointed out the dangers of bombing, the use of white phosphorus, and cluster and unexploded munitions on soil, groundwater, springs, wells, and the food chain, pointing out that large areas of land and agricultural crops were damaged, including citrus, bananas, tobacco, tobacco, olives, and vegetables, in addition to irrigation networks, wells, and agricultural facilities.
He stressed the seriousness of the damage to tobacco and tobacco cultivation, as it is a source of livelihood for thousands of families in the south, calling for the affected farmers to be included in an emergency plan that includes surveying the losses, compensating them, and ensuring the continuity of their sources of income.
The committee also denounced the operations of leveling lands and uprooting olive trees, warning that unexploded ordnance may prevent farmers and herders from returning to their lands even after military operations stop.
The committee called on the state to launch a comprehensive scientific survey of agricultural, environmental and water damage, examine soil, water and crops, and develop a map of contaminated areas and lands containing unexploded ordnance, in addition to preparing a national plan to compensate farmers and rehabilitate lands, irrigation networks and agricultural facilities.
Al-Mays also called for the damage to be documented scientifically and legally in a way that preserves the rights of Lebanon and those affected, calling on the government to take broad diplomatic action, and the international community and relevant organizations to work to stop the attacks and protect farmers, lands and water.
He concluded by stressing that the reconstruction of the south “does not begin with quarantine alone, but rather by restoring life to the land,” considering that protecting agriculture, water, and farmers represents protection for the food, economic, and environmental security of all of Lebanon.
