Israel Dropping White Phosphorus on Rmeich, South Lebanon, Dec 2023 ©Elie Antoun El Alam, Manager of Rmeich Facebook Page.
As we mark International Women's Day, a stark contrast emerges in South Lebanon, where women confront the harrowing aftermath of a war that has surpassed 150 days. The escalating violence has not spared the residents, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the devastation. Amid global celebrations, the women of Lebanon navigate the scars of war, striving for survival against all odds.
The relentless Israeli airstrikes have not only claimed innocent lives but also transformed once-thriving farmlands into desolate terrains. This destruction hits hard for the community, particularly women farmers who depend on these lands for their livelihood and economic independence.
In the heart of this adversity stands Taghrid, a 57-year-old farmer and school supervisor from Rachaya Al-Foukhar, Nabatiye governorate. Taghrid's story encapsulates the grim reality many face, "The war's timing, overlapping with the olive harvest, has been devastating. Bombardments during the harvest forced us to abandon fields, leading to significant losses and missed opportunities." Her voice, filled with despair, highlights the compounded challenges of war, economic strife, and environmental damage.
Israeli Aggression on Rmeich, South Lebanon, Dec 2023. Photo Credit: Elie Antoun El Alam, Manager of Rmeich Facebook Page.
Taghrid's struggles are echoed by Suzan Mitri, mayor of Rachaya Al-Foukhar, who speaks of the broader impact on the community's agricultural practices. "Our ability to perform basic farming tasks has been severely hindered, affecting everyone from poultry farmers to olive growers. This has led to a stark decline in production and jeopardized many livelihoods," Suzan explains, painting a picture of a community under siege.
Israeli Aggression on Rmeich, South Lebanon, Dec 2023. Photo Credit_ Elie Antoun El Alam, Manager of Rmeich Facebook Page.
This situation not only led to considerable financial setbacks, particularly in missed opportunities for exports, but also raised environmental concerns. Israel’s deliberate use of white phosphorus, evidenced by a study from the Lebanese Ministry of Environment showing phosphorus rates in the soil of southern municipalities skyrocketing by 400 times, has significantly affected the agricultural landscape and export prospects.
"Exporting our produce this year posed significant challenges. Collection
companies couldn’t reach our farms due to the ongoing conflict. Additionally,
the marketing and sale of our produce faced hurdles, as potential buyers were
apprehensive about the long-term and uncertain impacts of white phosphorus
contamination on the crops.”
On International Women's Day, let us turn our attention to the women of South Lebanon, who endure unimaginable hardships amidst the chaos of war. Their resilience and determination to overcome adversity are a beacon of hope and a call to action. It's a reminder to amplify their voices, advocate for their rights, and work tirelessly towards a future where peace and prosperity reign in Lebanon.
