Israeli pesticide spraying damages 80 dunams of wheat in Quneitra, officials say

Syrian officials have accused the Israeli army of damaging agricultural land in the countryside of Quneitra after repeated spraying of unidentified pesticides over border areas.

Jamal Ali, Director of Agriculture in Quneitra, told the Syrian newspaper Al-Watan that around 80 dunams of wheat in the town of Kodna, in the central countryside of the governorate, were destroyed after exposure to chemicals allegedly sprayed by Israeli aircraft.

Ali said the wheat crop had died completely, describing it as a significant agricultural loss that would adversely affect the livelihoods of farmers who rely primarily on agriculture and livestock grazing. He added that field inspections of the affected areas revealed extensive environmental and agricultural damage, including the total destruction of grasses and wild plants.

Ali Ibrahim, Director of Environment in Quneitra, said the villages of Koudna, Al-Ashah and Al-Rafid, located along the ceasefire line, were sprayed with unknown chemical substances on 25^th January by an Israeli agricultural aircraft. He characterised the action as a violation of international agreements.

Residents in the affected villages have called on the authorities to engage international organisations to pursue those responsible and prevent similar incidents in future. They also demanded compensation for losses, citing the destruction of crops and the reported deaths of livestock.

Israel has not publicly commented on the allegations.