15 stories for 2026-03-17 · Armed conflict, civilian harm & humanitarian access
A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli gunfire near Ramallah on Monday night, with Israeli forces withholding his body. Separately, a Palestinian couple and their two young children were killed on March 15 in the occupied West Bank after being shot by Israeli forces. Medical crews were prevented from reaching the wounded in the first incident.
Gaza's markets are under strain due to closure of crossing points ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Additionally, prices for private generator electricity have increased, creating new hardships for residents.
Israeli occupation forces raided Al-Amari refugee camp in the central West Bank on Wednesday, according to eyewitnesses. The operation involved a large military force entering from the direction of Al-Bireh city, and troops began demolishing dozens of homes. Soldiers were deployed on foot into the camp during the raid.
Health officials reported that Israeli forces killed 16 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank in one day, marking one of the highest daily casualty counts in recent weeks.
The Israeli military announced it has begun limited ground operations in southern Lebanon targeting what it describes as terrorist infrastructure and elements. The operations are described as aimed at securing a defensive buffer zone and eliminating threats to northern Israeli communities. Turkey condemned the operations, warning of a new humanitarian catastrophe in the region. Meanwhile, hospitals in Lebanon have halted operations in areas affected by fighting, leaving patients with chronic conditions facing life-threatening risks.
Israel's defense minister warned that refugees displaced by fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon will not be permitted to return to their homes before northern Israeli security is guaranteed. The Israeli military announced on Monday the beginning of operations in southern Lebanon to reinforce the defensive zone along the border. Additionally, hotels and rental apartments in Lebanon are closing their doors to refugees over concerns they may become targets of Israeli strikes.
Large numbers of Lebanese schools have been converted into basic shelter centers for displaced persons following the outbreak of war. This conversion is disrupting education and exacerbating inequality among students.
At least four people were killed in Baghdad as US forces and Iraqi militia groups exchanged fire, with explosions reported across the capital. US Embassy and diplomatic facilities in Baghdad were targeted with rockets and drones, with air defense systems intercepting several attacks. Additional strikes targeted militia positions in western Iraq near the Syria border, resulting in further casualties.
Kurdish leaders have called for compensation for victims of the Halabja chemical attack on the 38th anniversary of the incident.
Iran's ambassador to Moscow announced that Tehran will seek reparations from the United States and Israel following an attack on a girls' school in Minab on 28 February that killed more than 160 people, including over 100 children. Iran attributes responsibility to the United States. Amnesty International stated that evidence indicates the school building was directly struck and called for accountability of those responsible for the unlawful attack.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed three drones in the eastern region. The ministry also reported engaging and successfully shooting down six additional drones in the same area. No further details were provided about the origin or purpose of the drones.
Yemen's presidential leadership council chairman accused the Houthi group of attacking a civilian gathering in Hajjah governorate on Sunday, killing eight civilians including children and wounding dozens more. Official and human rights organizations have condemned the attack, with reports indicating approximately 38 civilians were killed and injured in strikes on a Houthi military position.
One person, a Pakistani national, was killed by falling debris from an intercepted missile in Abu Dhabi's Bani Yas area. The incident occurred as Qatar reported intercepting a rocket attack and Iraq reported an airstrike targeting Iranian advisors in Baghdad. Israeli military aircraft also conducted strikes in Lebanon.
Qatar's Interior Ministry reported a minor fire in a Doha industrial area after debris fell from a missile interception, with no injuries reported. Authorities issued a public safety alert urging residents to stay indoors. Kuwait's National Guard shot down a drone as part of ongoing security efforts.
Civilians in Gulf Cooperation Council countries face significant danger from ongoing Iranian missile strikes, which are reported as responses to US and Israeli military attacks. The strikes have targeted military installations, including a US Navy base in Bahrain.