Israel’s ongoing artillery shelling, the burning of agricultural land and homes, and heavy drone activity must be included when reporting on the so-called ceasefire. As it stands, the article misleads readers into believing that calm has resumed, when in fact Israeli attacks on villages in southern Lebanon continue as we speak.
To the Toronto Star and Associated Press,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to raise concern regarding the article titled: “An animal rescuer cares for pets and livestock stranded by war in southern Lebanon” published on July 3, 2026.
The article mentions the following: “as the situation in the south has calmed under a tentative truce, Hamza is waiting for the animals’ owners to return and reclaim them.”
Yes, Israel’s bombing campaign has decreased, but the Israeli military continues to carry out airstrikes in south Lebanon.
- Just today, an overnight Israeli strike on the town of Siddiqine in southern Lebanon's Tyre district left several people injured.
- On July 2nd, 4 Israeli drone strikes targeted upper Nabatieh and Kfartebnit. That same day, the Israeli forces continued their demolitions in Beit Yahoun and Kawnin towns in Bint Jbeil.
- On July 1, an Israeli drone strike targeted Nabatieh al-Fawqa in south Lebanon. The Israeli forces were also burning agricultural lands and houses between Beit Yahoun and Haddatha towns in Bint Jbeil that same day.
- One June 30, the Israeli army shelled Beit Yahoun and opened machine gun fire while drones operated above border villages.
The list goes on and on.
In the interest of accurate reporting, in line with Toronto Star’s statement of journalistic principles, Israel’s ongoing artillery shelling, the burning of agricultural land and homes, and heavy drone activity must be included when reporting on the so-called ceasefire. As it stands, the article misleads readers into believing that calm has resumed, when in fact Israeli attacks on villages in southern Lebanon continue as we speak.
Thank you for reading and I remind the Toronto Star and Associated Press that I write in good faith to keep the media accountable regarding coverage of West Asia. Looking forward to your response and to your consideration regarding the concern outlined above.
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East