UN reminds Israel of obligations under international law after 'herbicide' spraying in southern Lebanon

HAMILTON (Canada): The United Nations said on Thursday that it is aware of reports that an herbicide was sprayed by Israel over areas near the Blue Line in southern Lebanon, raising concerns over potential long-term impacts, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

"We are aware of reports that the substance dropped over areas near the Blue Line on Feb 1 is an herbicide," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in response to questions regarding the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Dujarric said the use of herbicides raises questions about the effects on local agricultural land and how this might impact the return of civilians to their homes and livelihoods in the long term.

"We remind the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and other applicable legal frameworks," he added.

He also stressed that any activity by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) north of the Blue Line is a violation of Resolution 1701.

"UNIFIL will continue to be in contact with the Lebanese authorities on this matter," he said.

On Monday, UNIFIL said the Israeli army had informed it that it would conduct aerial activity to drop what Israel described as a "non-toxic chemical substance" over areas near the Blue Line.

UNIFIL called the Israeli activity "unacceptable" and said it posed risks to the health of its personnel and civilians, while raising concerns over potential effects on the environment.

In December 2025, Lebanon's Agriculture Ministry forwarded to the Foreign Ministry a report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation on agricultural damage caused by Israeli attacks during 2023 and 2024. The report estimated direct damage to Lebanon's agricultural sector at about US$118 million, with broader economic losses exceeding US$586 million, identifying southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley as the most affected areas.

A 2024 ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel ended more than a year of attacks that killed over 4,000 people and injured 17,000 others against the backdrop of Israel's war in Gaza.

The Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon in January 2025 under the ceasefire, but instead only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.

-- BERNAMA