Israel targets Iran-backed Hezbollah sites in Lebanon in fresh strikes

Israel intensified its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Saturday, targeting infrastructure in Beirut and destroying a bridge in the east to impede Hezbollah reinforcements. Explosions were reported in Beirut's southern suburbs, a frequent target of Israeli strikes amid its ground invasion in southern Lebanon. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks on Israel in response to a US-Israeli action that killed an Iranian leader on March 2. UNIFIL reported that three peacekeepers were wounded in southern Lebanon near the border, marking the third such incident in recent days. The ongoing strikes and cross-border attacks highlight the continued tensions and violence between Israel and Hezbollah.

In the month since fighting began between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli military reports striking over 3,500 targets in Lebanon. The conflict began after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in response to a US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel has responded with strikes and a ground offensive, claiming to have killed approximately 1,000 militants. According to Lebanon's health ministry, the conflict has resulted in 1,345 deaths, including civilians and healthcare workers, and over 4,000 injuries. Over one million people have been displaced within Lebanon due to the fighting.

The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to leave Lebanon due to targeted threats from Iran and its proxy militias against American universities in the Middle East. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut describes the security situation as volatile, citing airstrikes, drones, and rocket attacks throughout the country, particularly in the south, Beqaa, and parts of Beirut. Americans in southern Lebanon, near the Syrian border, in refugee settlements, and in Beirut's southern suburbs are strongly encouraged to depart immediately. Commercial flights are available from Beirut Rafic Hariri airport, and the U.S. Embassy is offering limited emergency passport services. Routine consular services, including visa operations, are suspended, and travel to Lebanon is not advised.

In March 2026, Lebanon is experiencing a second large-scale Israeli attack within two years, exacerbating the suffering of its population amidst a US-Israeli war on Iran. Approximately a quarter of Lebanon's population has been displaced due to Israeli evacuation orders in the south and Beirut's southern suburbs. The renewed conflict began after Hezbollah retaliated for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, ending a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since November 2024. Israel has intensified attacks on southern Lebanon and declared its intention to occupy the region, leading to increased frustration and fatigue among Lebanese civilians due to ongoing violence, economic strain, and uncertainty about the conflict's duration. Foreigners are said to be the most vulnerable.

Israeli forces struck Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, on Monday, marking the first attack in days and claiming the capture of two Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon. Earlier, a strike hit Hazmieh, a Christian area near Beirut, targeting an alleged Iranian Revolutionary Guard member. The Israeli military stated it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut after urging residents to evacuate. These actions follow Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, initiated on March 2, purportedly in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader. Since then, Israel has launched strikes across Lebanon, resulting in at least 1,039 deaths and deploying ground troops into southern Lebanon.

Due to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon, particularly after Israel issued evacuation orders for southern regions. This displacement follows intensified Israeli campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon, triggered by rocket fire into northern Israel. Displaced families, many from Hezbollah-supported areas, are struggling with overwhelmed shelters and are forced to sleep in cars or makeshift tents. The BBC spoke with displaced families, including children and pregnant women, highlighting their difficult living conditions amid the conflict. The situation is particularly dire as families face extreme weather conditions and a lack of adequate shelter.

An Israeli strike on a Beirut hotel killed at least four people and wounded ten others on Sunday, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Israel stated the strike targeted commanders from Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The strike occurred in central Beirut, hitting a hotel room. This incident follows increased Israeli strikes across Lebanon and ground troop movements into border areas this week. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict after Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli military announced additional strikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut's southern suburbs.

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.

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.

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.

Lebanon's President Aoun has proposed direct negotiations with Israel to end the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The proposal, presented during a virtual meeting with EU officials, includes a truce, Hezbollah's disarmament, and international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces to regain control of tense areas. Aoun criticized Hezbollah for acting against Lebanon's interests and dragging the country into a wider regional war, accusing the group of prioritizing its own agenda over the well-being of the Lebanese people. He highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, with hundreds killed and over 700,000 displaced. While Lebanon is ready to negotiate, it insists on a cessation of Israeli fire. Israeli officials have not yet commented on the proposal.

The Israeli army has launched air raids on Beirut's southern suburbs for the second consecutive day, targeting Hezbollah command centres and weapons storage facilities. The strikes have caused mass civilian displacement, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes in the Haret Hreik area. The Israeli military claims its troops are operating in southern Lebanon, while issuing forced displacement notices for 59 areas in Lebanon, including several Shia-populated neighbourhoods. Hezbollah has claimed an attack on an airbase in northern Israel, sparking another front in the regional war. The conflict began after United States-Israel attacks on Iran and has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacement during previous conflicts. Civilians are being caught in the crossfire, with many schools closed due to displaced students.

The Israeli military has ordered civilians in a large area of southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Litani River due to planned military action against Hezbollah. This order comes amidst escalating hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed group, with Israel initiating a wave of strikes in the south. Tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians have already been displaced since the recent surge in fighting. Displaced individuals are fleeing from southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Beirut, seeking refuge in shelters, roadsides, and parks, with concerns rising about the capacity to meet the growing demand for aid. The escalation follows Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks on Israel, which were a response to US and Israeli strikes.

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.

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.

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.

A Shahed-type drone struck the UK's RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus on Monday, March 2, 2026, causing minor material damage to military installations. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident. The drone strike occurred near Limassol. The event follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement that the UK would assist the U.S. in the war against Iran. Despite the strike, Britain has stated it is not at war.

Following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, thousands of Syrian refugees are attempting to return to Syria. The exodus is occurring as reported by Al Jazeera on March 6, 2026. The refugees are fleeing Lebanon due to the recent strikes. The situation is unfolding at the border between Lebanon and Syria. There are growing concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis as a result of the mass movement of people. Al Jazeera's Obaida Hitto is reporting from the border, providing updates on the developing situation.