Hezbollah accuses Israel of 'environmental destruction' in south Lebanon

SOUTH LEBANON — Hezbollah on Sunday accused Israel of carrying out 'environmental destruction' in southern Lebanon, after several fires broke out in wooded areas in the region.

In a statement released by its media relations department, Hezbollah said, "the fact that the Israeli enemy is openly setting fire to forested areas in southern Lebanon and turning them into completely scorched, uninhabitable lands constitutes a continuation of the destruction of inhabited areas, the devastation of infrastructure, and the theft of centuries-old olive trees."

Hezbollah argues that this "ongoing environmental destruction" is happening while, according to them, Lebanese authorities are unable "even to file a complaint or initiate proceedings against the enemy," blaming them for previously committing not to file complaints with international bodies. The party thus accuses officials of having offered Israel "a guarantee of protection" allowing it to continue its actions "confident it will escape any punishment."

"This painful paradox clearly reveals how the authorities conduct their negotiations, as well as the seriousness of the concessions they have made on various issues," the statement continues, accusing those in power of being "totally incapable of safeguarding Lebanon's interests" and of "sacrificing its fundamental rights."

Hezbollah finally calls on the government, the Environment Ministry, as well as all relevant ministries and agencies to "raise their voices and act to put an end to Israeli savagery against the environment, after the people and the infrastructure."

Despite yet another cease-fire declared on June 19 between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Israeli army continues to carry out daily destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure in the South, where it occupies more than 600 km² of Lebanese territory.