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Lebanese Farmers Risk Lives Harvesting Olives Under Israeli Surveillance Amid Border Tensions

Marjayoun, Lebanon – Defiant Lebanese farmers are risking their lives to harvest what remains of their olive crops along the southern border with Israel, even as they face constant surveillance and potential attacks from Israeli forces. The region has been devastated by recent conflict, with widespread destruction of olive groves and infrastructure.

Following a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in November 2024, Israeli forces entered the region and bulldozed land, uprooting an estimated 56,000 olive trees according to Lebanon’s Agriculture Minister, Nizar Hani. Israel has stated its intention to maintain a “buffer zone” in the area indefinitely.

Farmers like Khairallah Yaacoub, from Hula, and Hussein Daher, from Blida, are struggling to salvage their livelihoods. Yaacoub estimates he has only 10 olive trees left after much of his orchard was destroyed, while Daher has been forced to dodge Israeli drone strikes while attempting to reach his groves.

“The Israeli army might send me a warning through a drone or fire a stun grenade to scare me off, and if I don’t withdraw, I could be directly shelled,” said Khairallah Yaacoub.

The United Nations reported more than 270 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli attacks since the beginning of the ceasefire. The dangers mean that some farmers have still not returned, however many like Hussein, have no choice. According to an April study by the United Nations’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 814 hectares (2,011 acres) of olive groves were destroyed, with losses in the sector alone estimated at $236m, a significant proportion of the total $586m losses in the wider agricultural sector.

Olive press owners are also suffering. Ahmad Ibrahim, who owns an olive press in Aitaroun, said his production has plummeted. “The occupation destroyed vast areas of their orchards and prevented farmers from reaching the remaining ones by shooting at them and keeping them away,” he stated.

Farmers claim the Israeli army has used white phosphorus that has impacted plant growth.
The Lebanese government has promised support, including compensation and olive seedlings. Minister Hani stated the government had begun to compensate farmers – up to $2,500 – and plant 200,000 olive seedlings. However, many farmers say they have yet to receive any assistance. Without immediate help, they fear they will be forced to abandon their ancestral lands and a vital part of Lebanon’s agricultural heritage.

“Unfortunately, the government says it cannot help, while international organisations and donors, like the European Union and the World Bank, promised support, but we haven’t seen anything yet,” said Hussein Daher.

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