Hezbollah rocket attack damages 1,500-year-old Israeli church

Islamabad is preparing to host historic peace negotiations between Iran and the US aimed at ending a conflict that began in late February. Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the warring nations after the conflict led to thousands of deaths and a global energy crisis due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The talks, scheduled to begin on Saturday, face challenges as disagreements persist over the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire agreement. Pakistan has deployed security forces and declared public holidays to ensure the safety and smooth progression of the negotiations. Pakistani officials are prioritizing the talks and hope to help the two countries reach a lasting peace agreement.

In April 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on a Gulf tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. The primary focus of the trip was to reinforce the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran. Discussions included strategies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supplies. Starmer emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts with regional partners to stabilize the situation. He stated that further action was required to ensure the restoration of global energy flows. The tour aimed to solidify the ceasefire and prevent further escalation in the region.

US-Iran talks face significant obstacles, primarily concerning Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. Iran's control over a vital waterway, where it may be imposing fees on tankers, adds to the tension. The nuclear issue remains a major point of contention, with Iran asserting its right to uranium enrichment for civilian purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while the US aims to prevent Iran from ever developing nuclear weapons. Furthermore, Iran's network of regional allies, often called the "Axis of Resistance," is a point of concern for the US and Israel, who view it as a threat. These issues, along with disagreements on uranium enrichment, complicate the prospect of reaching a new agreement.

Tensions escalated between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Friday, ahead of planned talks between the Lebanese government and Israel next week. An Israeli strike killed at least 13 Lebanese State Security members in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli naval base in Ashdod. Israel launched strikes across southern Lebanon, including a government building in Nabatieh, and Hezbollah claimed 31 other attacks on northern Israel and Israeli ground troops. The conflict began after Hezbollah fired rockets toward northern Israel in solidarity with Iran on March 2. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least 1,888 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli strikes.

In the past 24 hours, Israel has launched over 50 strikes across Lebanon, destroying residential areas in the south, including the towns of Hanawya, Aita al-Shaab and Haneen. One person was killed and another wounded in Hanawya. Hezbollah responded by firing rockets into northern Israel, targeting settlements like Kiryat Shmona. While Israeli strikes have decreased in Beirut following a large-scale assault earlier in the week, the UN World Food Programme warns of a rapidly developing food security crisis in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict. The escalation raises fears of a broader regional conflict, despite reported US pressure on Israel to de-escalate.

Six months after the Gaza ceasefire, significant progress on disarmament, governance, and reconstruction remains stalled, leaving residents in limbo. This situation raises concerns about the viability of the newly established Iran war ceasefire. The Gaza experience highlights the importance of detailed agreements and clear enforcement, as evidenced by current disagreements over the ceasefire's application to Lebanon. The US-led Board of Peace, intended to address conflicts like Gaza, has been inactive since the Iran war began. Hamas has yet to respond to the Board's proposal on disarming, a key condition for lasting peace, with the US indicating that its patience is not unlimited.

British Prime Minister Starmer stated that he and former U.S. President Donald Trump discussed potential military options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The discussion centered on utilizing military capabilities to ensure the continued flow of maritime traffic through the strait. The specific context and timing of the conversation were not detailed, but the focus was on addressing potential disruptions to international shipping in the region. The purpose of exploring military options was to maintain stability and freedom of navigation in this vital waterway.

The six Gulf Arab monarchies are apprehensive about ongoing US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan, fearing that any resulting peace agreement could compromise their security and economic diversification efforts. This concern stems from past attacks by Iranian drones and missiles, coupled with the recent failure of their UN Security Council bid to secure defensive measures for the Strait of Hormuz due to vetoes from China and Russia. Gulf states feel sidelined in the negotiations, relying on information from Washington and Islamabad. Officials and commentators in the UAE and Kuwait have voiced concerns about being excluded from the process, fearing the potential consequences for their long-term stability and economic goals.

Following a US-Israel war on Iran, Gulf states are reassessing their security strategies due to an emboldened Iran and battered economies. Gulf nations aim to diversify security partnerships, potentially including countries like Turkey and Pakistan, moving away from sole reliance on the US. A key point of contention remains Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade route, which will be a focus in upcoming US-Iran talks. Despite successfully intercepting many Iranian missiles during the conflict, Gulf states are divided on future relations with Iran, ranging from hawkish stances to hopes for renewed ties. Saudi Arabia and Iran have initiated contact to de-escalate tensions, highlighting the need to insulate the region from perpetual conflict and rebuild economic foundations.

New Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon have killed several people, including at least seven in Abbassiyeh, following a day of intense bombardment. The attacks, which targeted towns and infrastructure, come despite a recently announced US-Iran ceasefire that Tehran claims includes Lebanon. Israel claims to have killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, a close aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, in overnight strikes in Beirut and targeted crossings over the Litani River. The Lebanese army reported that four of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday. The ongoing attacks raise questions about the US-Iran ceasefire and reflect a deeper alignment between Israel and the US, with Israel reportedly aiming to disarm Hezbollah. Hezbollah entered the war in retaliation for the killing of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

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.

Following Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed at least 303 people, an Iranian minister told the BBC that Israel gravely violated the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Iran claims the deal, disputed by the US and Israel, covers Lebanon. Israel stated the strikes targeted Hezbollah command centers. Both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun have expressed willingness to engage in direct negotiations, with Israel aiming to disarm Hezbollah and establish peaceful relations. Hezbollah claims to have responded to ceasefire violations and will continue attacks until "Israeli-American aggression" ends.

House Democrats are attempting to pass a resolution to limit Donald Trump's war powers regarding Iran, though Republicans are expected to block it. The move signals Congressional concern despite a pause in Middle Eastern conflict. The vote, scheduled for Thursday, will use unanimous consent, which allows for immediate passage unless a single member objects. This comes amid skepticism about the fragility of a recently announced ceasefire, with continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Iran halting oil tanker traffic. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed doubt in the ceasefire's sufficiency and called for an immediate vote to permanently end the war. The House is currently in recess and will not return for formal votes until mid-April.

Following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire, Israel launched a surprise wave of attacks on Lebanon, hitting over 100 targets in 10 minutes, including Beirut. The strikes killed over 300 people, drawing international condemnation. While Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed the attacks targeted Hezbollah members, some speculate the strikes aimed to undermine the US-Iran ceasefire, which Netanyahu reportedly opposed. Another theory suggests Israel attempted to assassinate Hezbollah secretary general Naim Qassem. Despite Hezbollah's claim of adhering to the ceasefire, heavy fire resumed between Hezbollah and Israel, raising concerns about the stability of the newly established agreement.

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.

On April 8, 2026, Israel launched its heaviest air attacks on Lebanon in years, killing at least 254 people and injuring over 1,160 across Beirut, its suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. The strikes occurred hours after a US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect, leading to confusion regarding Lebanon's inclusion in the truce. While Pakistan and Iran claimed Lebanon was part of the agreement, the US and Israel asserted otherwise, with President Trump calling it a "separate skirmish." The attacks represent a sharp escalation since Israel intensified its operations in Lebanon in early March amidst its joint war with the US against Iran, despite an existing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah since November 2024. Analysts suggest Israel is attempting to maximize its gains in Lebanon while the situation remains fluid.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Israel launched airstrikes on central Beirut, Lebanon, impacting commercial and residential areas. The strikes occurred hours after a ceasefire was announced in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. According to Lebanon's health ministry, dozens were killed and hundreds wounded. Israel stated the ceasefire did not apply to its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite claims from mediator Pakistan. The Israeli military described the operation as its largest coordinated strike in the current war, hitting over 100 Hezbollah targets in Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa valley. Lebanon's Minister of Social Affairs condemned the strikes, highlighting the danger to internally displaced persons sheltering in Beirut.

Following a US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8, 2026, Israel continued its military operations in southern Lebanon, despite claims the truce should extend to the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the US-Iran agreement did not apply to Israel's conflict with Hezbollah. While sources close to Hezbollah told Reuters the group had paused attacks in line with the truce, Israel renewed strikes and urged evacuations in parts of Beirut. The US-Iran ceasefire, intended to halt a six-week war, was announced shortly before a US deadline and was mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Lebanese government reported it had not received official communication regarding a ceasefire that included Lebanon.

Following 40 days of conflict, Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with talks scheduled to begin in Pakistan. The agreement involves Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage, a crucial waterway for global oil flow. The ceasefire was welcomed by countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who expressed hope for a lasting peace. The Gulf states urged an end to attacks in the region and the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz. While Israel supports the ceasefire with Iran, it maintains that the agreement does not extend to Lebanon, despite initial reports to the contrary. The conflict had drawn in much of the Middle East, including attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council countries and involvement of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Pakistan played a crucial role in brokering a ceasefire between the US/Israel and Iran after escalating tensions threatened to engulf the region. Prime Minister Sharif expressed pessimism about peace prospects before the agreement. Army Chief Asim Munir leveraged his relationships with both the US and Iran to mediate. The situation was critical for Pakistan due to its economic vulnerabilities, defense pact with Saudi Arabia, and internal security concerns. While the US claimed Iran initiated the ceasefire request, Pakistani officials suggest both sides desired an end to the conflict. Pakistan viewed the successful mediation as a significant diplomatic achievement, averting a potentially disastrous regional war.

Pakistan played a key role in securing a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran. Tensions had escalated, prompting Pakistan's Field Marshall Munir to criticize Iran's actions, signaling support for Saudi Arabia, with whom Pakistan has a defense pact. Pakistan's Prime Minister then engaged in diplomatic efforts, requesting President Trump to extend a deadline and urging Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. These efforts led to a ceasefire agreement, announced by the Prime Minister, who invited both sides to Islamabad on April 10th for further negotiations. Despite the agreement, sources indicate the situation remains fragile due to a lack of trust between the US and Iran.

Iran is threatening to end the ceasefire between the U.S. and itself due to the exclusion of Hezbollah from the truce deal. The two-week ceasefire, brokered with Pakistan's help, is intended to pause fighting between Israel and Iran. Iranian officials stated that the U.S. must choose between a ceasefire and continued war via Israel, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Iran's foreign minister and parliamentary speaker have both echoed this sentiment, placing pressure on the U.S. to include Hezbollah in the agreement. Hezbollah had previously violated a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire in November 2024 by entering the war against Israel in March 2025 to aid Iran.

Shortly after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain reported missile and drone attacks. The UAE stated its air defenses were actively intercepting incoming missiles and drones originating from Iran. Kuwait reported its army intercepted Iranian drones targeting vital oil facilities, power stations, and water desalination plants, resulting in infrastructure damage. Bahrain's Ministry of Interior reported injuries and property damage from shrapnel due to intercepted Iranian drones. The attacks occurred hours after the ceasefire announcement, raising questions about the stability of the agreement.

A mother of newborn twins, identified as Ghada, told the BBC that her home in Lebanon was bombed, displacing her and destroying her belongings. She is among over one million people displaced in Lebanon due to intensified Israeli attacks on Hezbollah. Ghada and her babies are now sheltering in a university-turned-shelter in Sidon, Lebanon's third-largest city, which has taken in a large share of displaced families. The displacement is a result of escalating conflict, including Israeli strikes and Hezbollah rocket fire, despite a ceasefire agreement in 2024. Israel's Defence Minister stated plans to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, demolishing homes in villages near the Israeli border. The conflict intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for Israel's assassination of Iran's supreme leader.

Since March 2, 2026, an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon has displaced 1.2 million people, about one-fifth of Lebanon's population, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. According to ACLED, Israeli forces have launched over 1,840 attacks, resulting in 1,497 deaths and 4,639 injuries, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. Israel claims it is targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, with the defense minister stating plans to destroy Lebanese border towns and continue occupation. The majority of Israeli attacks have been air or drone strikes and shelling, while Hezbollah and other groups have targeted Israeli military personnel and hardware, primarily in the Nabatieh governorate. The scale of displacement places Lebanon among the top 10 displacement crises globally in recent years.

Yemen's Houthi rebels announced they joined Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon in coordinated attacks against Israel on Monday, launching cruise missiles and drones targeting vital and military sites. The Houthis stated their involvement, which began in March, is in support of Iran and as a show of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israeli war on Gaza. Simultaneously, Israeli officials reported recovering bodies from a prior Iranian strike in Haifa. Israel continues to target Hezbollah in Lebanon, including strikes in Beirut and the south, claiming to target terror infrastructure and financial resources. Deadly strikes were also reported in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties.

In April 2026, amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel struck an Iranian petrochemical plant located in a massive gas field. This attack occurred as mediators were reportedly proposing a ceasefire. The conflict has involved missile strikes from both sides, with Iranian missiles causing damage in Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel has also conducted airstrikes in Iran, including one targeting a technology building at Tehran’s Sharif University. Associated Press reporters gained access to Iran to document the situation, revealing damage in various locations. The broader conflict has jolted the world economy.

In April 2026, Israel launched renewed military strikes on southern Lebanon, including areas around Beirut previously considered safe, escalating the ongoing conflict. Israeli forces targeted towns south of the Litani River, including Arzoun and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. A ground invasion, initiated in mid-March, continues to deepen, raising concerns about planned demolitions of homes. Observers note that bridges are being targeted, isolating southern Lebanon and hindering humanitarian aid access for an estimated 150,000 people. Humanitarian organizations warn of a rapidly deteriorating situation and long-term developmental setbacks due to the destruction of vital transport infrastructure.

Due to escalating Israeli military actions, including air attacks and a ground invasion, over one million people have been displaced across Lebanon as of April 2026. Many families fleeing the violence in southern Lebanon are seeking refuge in schools and public buildings in the mountains, such as in Qabr Chamoun. These locations have been converted into shelters providing temporary housing for those displaced. The Israeli military campaign intensified after Hezbollah launched an attack in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli air attack in February. This recent escalation follows repeated violations by Israel of a ceasefire agreement established in late November 2024 after more than a year of cross-border attacks.

Israeli media, citing military briefings, reports that Iran possesses over 1,000 missiles capable of reaching Israel, while Hezbollah in Lebanon holds an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 shorter-range rockets. An Israeli air force officer revealed the missile estimate, indicating a potentially prolonged conflict despite claims of achieving core objectives. Before the current conflict, Iran was believed to have around 2,000 intermediate-range missiles, with over 500 launched or destroyed since. At least 19 people have died in Israel during the conflict, including two in Haifa after a recent missile strike. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about continued attacks, as neither Iran nor Hezbollah show signs of de-escalation.

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 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.

Since March 2026, intensified Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have severely impacted the healthcare system. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, Israeli strikes have killed 53 medical workers, destroyed 87 ambulances or medical centers, and forced five hospitals to close. Experts and analysts suggest this destruction is intended to displace the population from the south. These attacks and evacuation orders are cutting people off from essential medical care. The World Health Organization has also reported direct attacks on health facilities. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah claimed an attack in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading Israel to expand its strikes and issue mass evacuation orders, displacing 1.2 million people.