Nearly 72 percent of farmers in South Lebanon have lost their source of income due to Israeli bombing, Business News website reported earlier this month. 

A total of 1,240 hectares have been scorched by Israel's white phosphorus bombs, which have long-lasting effects on agricultural lands, the report said, noting that approximately 40 percent of the damaged area comprises farmland with citrus and other fruit trees, including 60,000 olive trees that were destroyed.

The remaining 60 percent consists of forests.

The losses suffered by farmers include 970 heads of livestock, 370 beehives completely destroyed and additional 3,000 ones partially destroyed. Poultry losses amounted to 340,000 birds. In addition to that, fodder warehouses with a combined area of 600 m2 were damaged as well as ten water facilities impacting 100,000 people.

The South accounts for 28-30 percent of Lebanon’s total agriculture produce and makes up 20 percent of its GDP, the website explained, adding that direct war losses are estimated at $1.5 billion.