Israel continues deadly attacks on Gaza while striking Iran, Lebanon

Three Indonesian peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon last week were buried in their hometowns on Sunday. Farizal Rhomadhon died on March 29 from a projectile explosion, while Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Muhammad Nur Ichwan died on March 30 when an explosion struck a UNIFIL logistics convoy. The incidents occurred in an area where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since the start of the Middle East war. The Indonesian government has called for an investigation into the deaths and guarantees for the safety of peacekeeping forces. The soldiers were honored with military funerals, and family members mourned their loss at the burial sites.

In southern Lebanon, two Israeli attacks within 48 hours killed three Indonesian UN peacekeepers. The incidents occurred as part of ongoing Israeli military actions in the region. The killings took place by March 31, 2026. Both the United Nations and the Indonesian government have issued strong condemnations of Israel's actions. They are calling for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the peacekeepers. The presence of UN peacekeepers in the area is to monitor and maintain stability along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Israel has vowed to occupy a large portion of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, approximately 19 miles from the border, to create a buffer zone after fighting with Hezbollah ends. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the military would control the area, eliminate Hezbollah forces, and destroy homes near villages, mirroring actions taken in Gaza. This plan has raised concerns about forced displacement, with Human Rights Watch suggesting it could constitute war crimes. The Israeli military launched its campaign in Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel on March 2, citing retaliation for the killing of the Iranian supreme leader. The stated goal is to push Hezbollah back from the border to prevent rocket fire into northern Israel, with troops advancing rapidly and Prime Minister Netanyahu instructing the military to expand the buffer zone.

An Indonesian peacekeeper with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed on Sunday when a projectile exploded near Adchit al-Qusayr in southern Lebanon. Another peacekeeper was critically injured, and three other Indonesian peacekeepers sustained injuries from indirect artillery fire. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the origin of the projectile, which struck one of its positions. The area is the site of ongoing clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. UNIFIL, which monitors hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, has been caught in the crossfire between the two groups in recent years.

The deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have prompted calls for Indonesia to reassess its Middle East policy. Analysts and lawmakers are questioning the risks of overseas deployments in the region and the limits of diplomatic protection amid escalating conflict. The incidents, which also injured five other peacekeepers, have led to pressure on Indonesia to intensify diplomatic efforts and seek accountability from Israel. There are also calls to evaluate Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace, which includes Israel, and its plan to send troops to Gaza as part of a US-led stabilization force. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks on the UNIFIL, citing a deteriorating security environment due to Israeli military operations.

Amidst the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, a Hezbollah attack on Sunday killed at least one person in northern Israel, marking the first such death from Lebanese fire since the conflict began. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Israeli soldiers in Misgav Am with rockets. This attack occurred as Israel increased its troop presence in southern Lebanon, where the conflict has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced a million people. In response, the Israeli Defence Minister ordered the military to expedite the demolition of Lebanese homes and bridges in southern Lebanon, citing the need to eliminate threats to Israel. The escalating conflict was triggered by a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, following the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Israel has approved plans to expand ground and air attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, citing the need to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks. This escalation follows intensified Israeli campaigns against the Iranian-backed group after rockets were fired into Israel earlier this month. The Israeli military says the chief of the general staff has approved plans to advance targeted ground operations and strikes against Hezbollah. Israeli forces have also been instructed to destroy crossings over the Litani River used by Hezbollah, including the Qasmiye bridge, raising concerns in Lebanon about a potential large-scale ground invasion and the creation of a buffer zone. The conflict has already resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Lebanon and displaced over a million people, leading to fears of a humanitarian crisis.

Tensions are escalating between Iran and Israel. Recently, Iranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel, injuring dozens and damaging buildings in Dimona and Arad. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the international community to join the US and Israel against Iran. Israel has also targeted infrastructure in Lebanon, destroying a bridge over the Litani River amidst renewed conflict with Hezbollah. Amidst these events, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz.

In March 2026, Iranian missiles struck the Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona, near a nuclear research center, wounding at least 180 people. Iran stated the attack was retaliation for an Israeli strike on its Natanz nuclear facility. The incident marks a potentially more lethal phase in the ongoing Israeli-United States war on Iran, which began on February 28 and has already injured thousands in Israel. Analysts suggest the attack raises questions about whether Israel has underestimated Iran's military capabilities, particularly its extensive and varied missile program. Iran's missile arsenal includes short, medium, and long-range ballistic and cruise missiles.

In March 2026, Iranian missiles struck the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, injuring at least 180 people and damaging buildings. The strikes followed an earlier attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, for which Israel denied responsibility. Israel's military reported that its air defense systems failed to intercept the missiles, marking the first time Iranian missiles penetrated defenses near Israel's nuclear research center located approximately 20km from Dimona. The UN nuclear watchdog stated it had not received reports of damage to the Israeli center or abnormal radiation levels. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that such strikes posed a "real risk of catastrophic disaster throughout the Middle East".