Lebanese firefighters accuse Israel of intentionally causing fires during strikes – report

Lebanese firefighters and environmental groups have accused Israel of intentionally starting fires in southern Lebanon, particularly in the Nabatiya region. Hussein Fakih, head of civil defense in Nabatiya, stated that 30-40% of land near the frontline has been affected by fires, attributing them to Israeli bombing campaigns and incendiary devices dropped by drones and white phosphorus shells. He noted, "They started doing this right after the ceasefire, and there have been incendiary bombs every day." Firefighters reportedly face challenges extinguishing blazes due to drone targeting. Samir Hardan, another civil defense chief, mentioned two fires started by Israeli drones within three days, requiring coordination with the Lebanese Army and a deconfliction group including the IDF. Hisham Younes of Green Southerners condemned this as "a pattern of destruction that progressively erodes the ability of ecosystems to function." The IDF, however, stated that all strikes are conducted with precautions to mitigate harm to civilians and the environment.