Israel continues deadly attacks on Gaza while striking Iran, Lebanon
Coverage Framing
Story Timeline
Apr 5 – Apr 11
Israeli air strikes, shelling across Lebanon add to rising death toll
Key Claims
Israel continues deadly attacks on Gaza.
At least four Palestinians were killed on Sunday.
Israel continues deadly attacks on Gaza.
At least four Palestinians were killed on Sunday.
Israel continues deadly attacks on Gaza.
Mar 15 – Mar 21
Destruction in Beirut as bombing and mass displacement continue
On March 16, 2026, Israeli bombing attacks devastated neighborhoods in Beirut's southern suburbs. According to the news report, the destruction has left areas in ruins. Israel stated the bombings targeted Hezbollah infrastructure. As a result of the attacks, hundreds of thousands of people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The report highlights the significant impact of the bombing campaign on the civilian population and infrastructure in Beirut.
Overnight Israeli attacks kill four people in Lebanon
Overnight Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon on March 15, 2026, resulted in the deaths of at least four people, according to Lebanese media and the Ministry of Health. One person was killed in Sidon, and three others in al-Qatrani. The Israeli military stated it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and launch sites in Lebanon, including al-Qatrani, and destroyed command centers in Beirut. The Israeli army issued immediate evacuation orders for residents in several Beirut neighborhoods, citing Hezbollah activities and threatening military action. Hezbollah also reported targeting Israeli troop positions near the border. These attacks occurred amidst ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Displaced families in Lebanon turn vehicles into rain-soaked shelters
In Sidon, Lebanon, displaced families are using their vehicles as temporary shelters after being unable to find refuge in local schools. The families are covering their cars with tarps for protection from the rain. This situation has arisen because hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes due to the intensifying Israeli offensive in Lebanon. The article was published on March 15, 2026. The lack of alternative accommodations has left these families with no other option but to seek shelter in their cars.
Over 800,000 Lebanese – 1 in 7 of the population – displaced by war in 10 days
In Lebanon, over 800,000 people, approximately one in seven of the population, have been displaced in the first ten days of the current conflict. This displacement follows just over a year after a previous conflict uprooted over a million Lebanese. Many of those displaced lack adequate shelter, with government-run shelters already full and unaffordable housing options. The Lebanese government, facing financial constraints, has only been able to accommodate around 120,000 people. Individuals like Fatima Nazha, displaced from Beirut's southern suburbs, are struggling to find suitable shelter, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by many. The ongoing conflict with Israel is the cause of this mass displacement.
Key Claims
Israel says it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
— Israel
More than 800,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced by war in 10 days.
That is one in every seven people in the tiny country.
— Norwegian Refugee Council
The government has only been able to accommodate roughly 120,000 people.
Fatima Nazha slept on the street for two days after she and her family fled their home.
Mar 8 – Mar 14
Israel attacks central Beirut in escalation of deadly assault on Lebanon
On March 12, 2026, Israel escalated its military campaign in Lebanon by attacking central Beirut, specifically the Bashoura neighborhood and southern suburbs. This follows a week and a half of intensified Israeli bombing across Lebanon that began after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following the start of the United States-Israeli war on Iran. The Israeli military claims the offensive targets Hezbollah, while Lebanese authorities report at least 687 deaths, over 1,500 injuries, and over 800,000 people displaced. Hezbollah has responded with rocket strikes against Israel. The UN and humanitarian groups report that Lebanese civilians are bearing the brunt of the escalating conflict, with many seeking emergency shelter after being displaced.
Iran War Live Updates: Israel Targets Hezbollah in Beirut as Strikes Hit City Center
Recent Israeli strikes have targeted Hezbollah in Beirut, raising concerns that the conflict is escalating beyond the group's usual areas of operation. The attacks hit parts of the city center, previously considered relatively safe. Simultaneously, reports indicate new strikes occurring in Iran, Iraq, and Israel. These widespread attacks suggest a potential expansion of the conflict to multiple countries in the region. The reasons behind the broadened scope of attacks remain unclear, but the events have heightened regional tensions. The timing of these events was not specified in the article.
Israel hits back after coordinated Iran-Hezbollah missile, drone strikes, urges Beirut to rein in terrorists
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, launched approximately 200 missiles and drones into Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut suburbs. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attacks, codenamed "Eaten Straw," targeting Israeli military sites. The IDF stated it would not tolerate harm to Israeli civilians and would respond forcefully to any threats. Tensions have been rising as Hezbollah rearms and resists US-backed ceasefire efforts. Israel's U.N. Ambassador urged Lebanon to restrain Hezbollah or face Israeli action to dismantle the organization. The Lebanese government has expressed interest in direct talks with Israel, but an Israeli official claimed Beirut was not affecting Hezbollah’s behavior.
War has already displaced nearly a million Lebanese, and aid groups warn of a humanitarian crisis
As of March 11, 2026, war has displaced over 800,000 people in Lebanon in just ten days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. This figure represents approximately one in seven residents of the country. The displaced are fleeing Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Many are seeking refuge in temporary shelters such as technical institutes, sports stadiums, and churches in Beirut. Aid groups are warning of a potential humanitarian crisis due to the scale of displacement, which follows another conflict that displaced over a million people just a year prior.
Aid groups warn of humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as nearly 1 million displaced by war
Aid groups are warning of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as war has displaced over 800,000 people in just 10 days, approximately one in seven Lebanese citizens. This displacement follows a recent escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, with Israeli strikes becoming more intense and unpredictable. Many of the displaced are without shelter, as government-run shelters are overwhelmed, and the government struggles to provide adequate assistance to the affected population. The strikes, targeting areas beyond specific locations, have resulted in over 700 deaths, including 103 children, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The current situation is reportedly more difficult than the previous conflict, leaving many like Fatima Nazha struggling to find adequate shelter and basic necessities.
Israeli attack hits civilians at Beirut beachfront: What we know
On March 12, 2026, an Israeli strike on Beirut's beachfront resulted in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack targeted an area where displaced families were sheltering in cars and tents. The location was being used as temporary housing due to ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions between the two groups. The reason for the specific targeting of the beachfront area remains unclear.
Key Claims
More than 700 people, including 103 children, have died in the war.
— Lebanon’s health ministry
One in every seven people in Lebanon has been displaced.
— Norwegian Refugee Council
More than 800,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced by war in 10 days.
— Norwegian Refugee Council
Israel dropped leaflets on Beirut.
— article
Leaflets referenced Israel’s “success in Gaza”.
— article
Mar 1 – Mar 7
Israel bombs Beirut after Hezbollah fires rockets in Iran war retaliation
On March 2, 2026, Israel bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. This action followed a rocket attack by Hezbollah on northern Israel. Hezbollah's attack was reportedly in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The Israeli strikes on Beirut were described as heavy. The events signal an escalation of conflict in the region following Khamenei's death.
Live Updates: Israel Pummels Beirut, Intensifying Strikes on Hezbollah
Israel has intensified its strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in thousands fleeing the capital. These represent the heaviest attacks on Beirut since the 2024 war. Simultaneously, Israel reported striking targets in Tehran, Iran. Israeli air defenses were also engaged in intercepting newly launched missiles originating from Iran. The escalation follows ongoing tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed militia, Hezbollah. The reasons for the strikes and missile launches are rooted in the existing conflict between the two entities and their allies.
Israel orders more than 500,000 people to evacuate Beirut’s southern suburbs
The Israeli military ordered the evacuation of over 500,000 residents from Beirut's southern suburbs. This order was issued as Israel continued bombing Lebanon and Iran, while Tehran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and US bases in the region. The IDF spokesperson cited imminent airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, as the reason for the evacuation. The evacuation order encompasses a large area, including hospitals and government ministries within Beirut's southern suburbs. The directive urged residents to evacuate immediately to save their lives. These actions are part of the escalating Middle East crisis.
British military base in Cyprus targeted in suspected drone attack
In March 2026, the British Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in Cyprus was targeted in a suspected drone attack, marking the first such incident since 1986. The attack occurred after the UK Prime Minister agreed to allow the United States to use British bases to attack Iran. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident, stating that a Shahed-type drone caused minor damage to the military facilities. Authorities advised residents near the base to shelter in place following the incident. Akrotiri, a UK base since Cyprus' independence in 1960, has been used for military operations in the Middle East. The incident represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Non-essential personnel to leave UK airbase in Cyprus after drone strike
Following a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, non-essential personnel are being temporarily relocated as a precautionary measure. The incident, which occurred overnight, caused limited material damage and no casualties. Cypriot authorities identified the drone as a Shahed model. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident and stated that force protection in the region is at its highest level. The base remains operational, and other facilities on the island will continue to function normally. The incident happened hours after the UK agreed to allow the US to use British military bases to attack Iranian missile sites.
Iran attack seen as ‘wake-up call’ for China on electronic warfare and intelligence
Analysts suggest that recent US and Israeli air strikes against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, serve as a "wake-up call" for China regarding electronic warfare and intelligence strategies. The strikes, which resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demonstrated the importance of electronic warfare, intelligence gathering, and AI-assisted intelligence missions in modern warfare, beyond traditional weaponry. Despite Iran's attempts to bolster its air defenses with Chinese and Russian missile systems after a previous conflict, these systems proved ineffective against the US and Israeli operation. This event, along with a similar US operation in Venezuela, highlights the vulnerability of air defense systems to electronic warfare and underscores the need for China to re-evaluate its military's use of advanced technologies.
Beirut evacuees 'sleeping in tents and cars'
Residents of Dahieh, a southern Beirut suburb, have left their homes due to evacuation orders and ongoing air strikes by Israel. The area is considered a Hezbollah stronghold. People are sleeping in tents and cars as they await further instructions. The exact timing of the evacuations is not specified. The situation has been ongoing for some time, with residents forced to flee their homes amidst the conflict. The reasons behind the evacuation orders remain unclear, but it is believed to be related to the ongoing air strikes by Israel.
‘The memories stay behind’: hundreds of thousands flee the Israeli bombs in Beirut
Following a large displacement order from the Israeli army, over 500,000 people fled the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday due to intensified Israeli bombing. The order, impacting an area the size of lower Manhattan, followed a previous order displacing residents from the entire region south of the Litani River. The Lebanese government reported that shelters in Beirut were full, directing evacuees to seek refuge further north. The mass exodus was triggered by Israeli airstrikes in response to Hezbollah launching rockets at Israel, marking a return to war for Lebanon. Residents were forced to leave their homes with few belongings, as the Israeli military expanded the areas under evacuation orders.
Key Claims
A person leaving his house can only take a few clothes and maybe a mattress. All of the beautiful memories stay behind.
— Ali Hamdan
Israel has issued a massive evacuation order for southern Lebanon, reaching roughly 27km inside the country.
— Lucy Williamson, Middle East correspondent
The objective in Lebanon is disarming Hezbollah.
— Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir
US firepower was “about to surge dramatically” with the deployment of more bombers.
— Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary
Israel was moving to a new phase of its offensive that would “further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities”.
— Eyal Zamir, the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff
Feb 22 – Feb 28
Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon’s al-Tuffah region, Markaba: Reports
On February 28, 2026, Israeli air strikes targeted the Iqlim al-Tuffah region and Markaba in southern Lebanon, reportedly hitting Blat and Wadi Barghouti. The Israeli military stated the attacks targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, but reports indicate civilian areas have also been affected. No casualties were immediately reported in the al-Tuffah region, though Israeli aircraft continue to fly over southern Lebanon. These strikes are a violation of the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Recent Israeli strikes in the Bekaa Valley killed a Syrian teenager and wounded 29 others. Since the ceasefire, over 300 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 127 civilians, according to the United Nations.
Key Claims
The Israeli military said its forces were launching attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
— Israeli military
Israeli strikes on Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley killed one person and wounded 29 others on Thursday.
— null
A 16-year-old Syrian boy was killed in a strike on Kfar Dan near Baalbek.
— Lebanon’s Ministry of Health
Israeli air strikes targeted Blat and Wadi Barghouti in southern Lebanon’s Iqlim al-Tuffah region.
— Al Jazeera correspondent
More than 300 people have been killed since the November 2024 ceasefire, including 127 civilians.
— United Nations
Feb 15 – Feb 21
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon kill 8 Hezbollah members, officials say
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon on Friday, February 21, 2026, killed eight Hezbollah members, according to officials. The strikes occurred in the village of Bednayel and other areas in eastern Lebanon. Mourners gathered in the village of Nabi Sheet on Saturday to carry the coffins of three Hezbollah fighters killed in the strikes. Several people were wounded in the attacks, including Syrian nationals Menisa Taha and Razan al-Jassem, who were being treated at Rayak Hospital. The reason for the strikes was not explicitly stated in the provided text.
Key Claims
The Lebanese Health Ministry put the death toll at 10.
— Lebanese Health Ministry
Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon have killed eight members of the militant Hezbollah group.
— officials with the group
The eight militants were killed in strikes near the village of Rayak in northeast Lebanon late Friday.
— Hezbollah officials