Lebanon’s orchards have been burnt, wildlife habitat destroyed by Israeli strikes – raising troubling international law questions

Ongoing conflict, particularly in a three-month period in late 2024, caused widespread environmental destruction and the spread of toxic materials.

By: Mireille Rebeiz, Dickinson College and Josiane Yazbeck, Université La Sagesse, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 22, 2026

Words: 1,382

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

By Mireille Rebeiz, Dickinson College and Josiane Yazbeck, Université La Sagesse

More than a year after a ceasefire nominally ended active fighting, much of southern Lebanon bears the ecological scars of war. Avocado orchards are gone and beehives destroyed. So, too, are the livelihoods they supported. Meanwhile, fields and forests have disappeared under the intense fire caused by white phosphorus shelling. Shrapnel and unexploded bombs, however, remain.

Such grim realities are a …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us