Aoun condemns Israel's dropping of toxic chemical substances over Lebanon

President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned Wednesday the Israeli airplanes' dropping of toxic chemical substances over lands and border villages in south Lebanon.

UNIFIL had earlier condemned the Israeli army's "deliberate and planned actions" that limited peacekeepers’ ability to undertake their mandated activities and put their health and that of civilians at risk.

Aoun said the Israeli "aggressive act" was "a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and an environmental and health crime against Lebanese citizens and their land."

He urged the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop these attacks and protect Lebanese sovereignty and said Lebanon will document these violations and will take all necessary legal and diplomatic measures and submit complaints to the relevant international organizations.

Israeli media reports had said the chemicals dropped Sunday near the border were pesticides and that Israel's aim was to clear thick brush to improve its line of sight.