Yemen’s landmine crisis endures despite truce and de-mining efforts

Despite a diplomatic push for direct talks in Washington, Israel has launched deadly strikes on towns across southern Lebanon. The attacks on Wednesday killed at least 13 people, according to Lebanon's National News Agency, including a family of four in Jbaa. Strikes also hit areas south of Beirut, targeting vehicles in Saadiyat and Jiyeh. The escalation occurred one day after Lebanese and Israeli envoys met in the US for the first direct talks in decades. The strikes have prompted anger in Lebanon, with some criticizing the government's engagement with Israel while attacks continue and questioning why the November 2024 ceasefire has not been implemented.

Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants engaged in intense clashes in Bint Jbeil, a strategic town in southern Lebanon, on Monday, April 13, 2026. The fighting intensified as Israeli forces encircled the area, while Hezbollah launched rockets and artillery to repel them. These events occurred shortly before planned direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Tuesday. Israel has reduced attacks in Beirut following strikes that killed over 350 people, but has increased operations in southern Lebanon to establish a security zone along the Litani River. The conflict was triggered by Hezbollah's rocket fire into northern Israel in early March, resulting in over 2,055 deaths and thousands of injuries in Lebanon.

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold talks in Washington D.C. focusing on a ceasefire. The meeting occurs amidst ongoing conflict and questions about Lebanon's ability to influence Hezbollah, a powerful, Iran-backed group with a history of conflict with Israel. Hezbollah, formed during Israel's occupation of Lebanon, maintains its weapons despite agreements calling for disarmament and operates as both a political party and a social movement within Lebanon. While President Aoun advocates for state control of arms, Hezbollah rejects nationwide disarmament, raising concerns about potential violence. The talks aim to address territorial disputes and implement UN resolutions, but lasting peace remains uncertain due to Hezbollah's influence and refusal to negotiate.

According to US President Donald Trump, Israeli and Lebanese leaders are expected to speak on Thursday for the first time in 34 years, amid escalating conflict in Lebanon. Israel's military operations have intensified, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and displacing over a million people. The announcement follows a rare meeting between the US ambassadors of both countries in Washington. Iran's speaker of parliament emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon to his Lebanese counterpart. These developments occur during a fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan between the US, Israel, and Iran, though disagreements exist regarding its extension to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. The US administration is reportedly seeking a broader deal with Iran.

Donald Trump predicted that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon would speak, claiming it would be the first conversation in 34 years and happen "tomorrow." However, Lebanese officials refuted this, stating that President Aoun would not speak with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu until a ceasefire is reached. This stance is due to domestic pressure in Lebanon against deepening contacts with Israel while fighting continues. Lebanese officials conveyed this position to the Trump administration before Aoun spoke with Secretary of State Rubio and Trump, thanking them for ceasefire efforts. Despite Trump's prediction and ongoing US efforts to broker contact, direct communication between the two countries remains unlikely without a ceasefire.

Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon would hold talks on Thursday to de-escalate tensions amidst ongoing conflict. This follows escalating conflict in Lebanon, spurred by Hezbollah's actions in support of Iran, prompting an Israeli offensive. Pakistan emphasized the importance of Lebanese peace for broader Iran peace talks. Despite Trump's announcement, Lebanese officials stated that President Joseph Aoun would not be speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the near future. Aoun thanked the US for its efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon.

French President Emmanuel Macron is facing criticism for his approach to Iran and Hezbollah as the Trump administration hosts talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington D.C. Israel requested France's exclusion from the talks, citing concerns over France's perceived lack of support in countering Iran and disarming Hezbollah. The talks, brokered by the U.S., aim to foster an agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah has called on the Lebanese government to cancel the meeting. Despite Hezbollah's actions, including violating a ceasefire by attacking Israel, Macron has urged Israel to cease attacks on Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanon. Some critics argue that Macron's stance is detrimental to Lebanon's interests and normalizes Hezbollah.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has called on Lebanon to abandon its scheduled direct negotiations with Israel in Washington. The meeting, planned to address ongoing border disputes, was intended to involve representatives from both countries. Qassem's rejection stems from Hezbollah's opposition to any normalization of relations with Israel. He believes direct talks legitimize Israel's presence and policies, and therefore undermine Lebanon's interests. The call adds further complexity to the already strained relationship between Lebanon and Israel, and casts doubt on the possibility of productive dialogue.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington, D.C., scheduled for the following day. Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's rejection of direct negotiations with Israel, calling for a "historic and heroic stance" by cancelling the meeting. The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States were set to discuss potential direct negotiations between the two countries. Lebanon seeks a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict before engaging in formal peace talks, a prospect dismissed by Israel, who prefers to focus on formal peace talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his desire for Hezbollah's disarmament and a lasting peace agreement. Qassem believes these negotiations are futile without Lebanese agreement and consensus.

Following large-scale Israeli attacks on Lebanon that resulted in significant casualties, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his cabinet to begin ceasefire talks with Lebanon. The announcement comes after repeated calls from Beirut for direct talks. Despite the call for negotiations, Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, while Hezbollah also fires missiles into Israel. Analysts suggest the recent Israeli attacks may be an attempt to derail upcoming peace talks between the United States and Iran, as Iran has stated that a ceasefire in both Iran and Lebanon is a prerequisite for negotiations. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began as a result of the US-Israel war on Iran, with Hezbollah acting in defense of Tehran.

Amidst ongoing conflict, Israel and Lebanon are set to hold direct negotiations in Washington next week, focusing on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace. This follows a wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which prompted confusion over whether a ceasefire included the country. The strikes have resulted in numerous casualties and evacuation warnings, including areas with hospitals and shelters. The World Health Organization expressed concern over the infeasibility of evacuating patients from hospitals in the affected areas. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for a ceasefire and direct negotiations as the only solution, while Israel appreciates Lebanon's call to demilitarize Beirut.

Following a tentative ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran in April 2026, Israel escalated attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in over 200 deaths and 1,000 injuries in Beirut and other areas. Israel claimed to target Hezbollah sites, including killing an aide to the group's leader, while Lebanese officials reported many civilian casualties. Hezbollah retaliated with missile strikes into Israel, causing no reported serious casualties. This recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began after the U.S. and Israel initiated a war against Iran in late February. The fighting resumed after a 15-month ceasefire, with Hezbollah citing retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader and Israeli aggression as justification for their attacks. A debate exists regarding whether the U.S.-Iran ceasefire applies to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for direct negotiations with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and establish relations, despite ongoing tensions and no formal ceasefire. The talks, potentially beginning next week in Washington D.C., aim to de-escalate conflict amid a fragile ceasefire in the broader Iran war. These developments follow Israeli strikes on Beirut and concerns over Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz. However, US President Trump has expressed skepticism about Iran's adherence to the ceasefire regarding oil passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, technically at war since 1948, represent a significant step towards regional stability, though challenges remain.

Following deadly Israeli attacks in Lebanon that killed hundreds and threatened a US-Iran truce, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his government is ready to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible." The talks, according to Netanyahu, will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations. This announcement comes after Lebanon's repeated requests for direct negotiations with Israel. Simultaneously, the Lebanese cabinet instructed security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions, a warning to Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated he is working on a diplomatic solution that is being viewed "positively" by international actors. The US-Iran ceasefire's applicability to Lebanon remains disputed.

In April 2026, a US-Iran ceasefire was announced. Prior to the ceasefire, former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent warned that Israel could undermine the agreement. He urged Washington to restrain Israeli actions to ensure the deal's success. Shortly after the ceasefire announcement, Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanon, resulting in at least 254 deaths. The article suggests that Israel's actions could jeopardize the US-Iran ceasefire.

Following Israeli attacks on Wednesday, April 9, 2026, hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon are struggling to cope with a surge of casualties. The attacks, which targeted over 100 locations across the country, have resulted in at least 303 deaths and 1,150 injuries, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The American University of Beirut (AUB) Hospital has become a central point for treating the injured, many of whom are children. Doctors are reporting shortages of vital supplies and describe the situation as unprecedented in its intensity, with many deaths and injuries caused by building collapses. The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

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.

Israeli attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and nearby towns have killed at least seven people, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, targeted areas including Jnah and Khaldeh. Israel stated its military aimed to kill a senior Hezbollah commander in the strikes. Hezbollah is currently engaged in fighting an Israeli ground invasion in southern Lebanon. The state-run National News Agency reported a strike in the Hadath district. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Iran, leading to broad Israeli attacks across Lebanon.

Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon this week, striking areas beyond Hezbollah's control, including a residential neighborhood north of Beirut and the Jnah neighborhood in the capital. The Israeli military claims it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and killed senior commanders in Beirut. Strikes also continued in Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon. A health facility in the south was hit, killing a paramedic, and a building near Beirut's airport was destroyed after evacuation. These attacks follow Hezbollah's involvement in the regional conflict since March 2, after attacks on its ally Iran. The Lebanese army has withdrawn from some southern positions after an Israeli strike killed a soldier.

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.

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.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned that Lebanon faces a potential "humanitarian catastrophe" due to Israel's intensified bombardment and ground invasion, which began in early March. According to the UN, over 1.2 million people have been displaced across the country, including areas from southern Lebanon to Beirut. UNHCR's representative stated that Lebanon's shelter system is struggling to accommodate the increasing number of displaced families, who are living in constant fear due to the strikes. The attacks intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The UNHCR expressed concern about the psychological impact on children.

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.

Due to expanded evacuation orders from the Israeli military in late March 2026, over one million people in Lebanon have been displaced within two weeks. Israel has ordered all residents south of the Zahrani River to evacuate north, threatening military action against those who remain, in an effort to target alleged Hezbollah positions and establish a buffer zone. This evacuation zone covers a significant portion of southern Lebanon, impacting over 100 towns and villages. The displacement crisis has overwhelmed shelter capacities, forcing many to live in dire conditions. Over 250,000 people have fled Lebanon, with more than 125,000 crossing into Syria, including thousands of Lebanese citizens. The destruction of bridges by Israel has further complicated evacuation efforts.