21 stories for 2026-03-18 · Armed conflict, civilian harm & humanitarian access
Israeli air strikes hit multiple locations across Lebanon, including Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern regions. Lebanon's Ministry of Health reported 17 people killed and nine wounded in the attacks, which targeted towns including Sahmar, Yahmar, Al Aqibya, and Qanarit.
Israeli airstrikes targeted residential areas in central Beirut on Wednesday morning, including the Bachoura, Zuqaq al-Blat, and Al-Basta neighbourhoods. According to Lebanese authorities, at least six people were killed and 24 wounded in the strikes. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for some areas before conducting the attacks. Hezbollah announced it carried out rocket attacks against Israeli military sites and settlements in response.
Israeli troops are conducting what the military describes as "limited" ground operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. Strikes on Monday reportedly killed nine people. The operations are occurring amid broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has displaced over a million people in Lebanon.
Lebanon is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis as over one million people have been displaced in less than two weeks due to ongoing conflict. According to UN statements, Israeli airstrikes have killed 912 people and wounded over 2,221 since March 2. Civilians are fleeing with minimal possessions as the conflict continues to expand, with approximately one-fifth of Lebanon's population now registered as displaced.
An Israeli airstrike destroyed a cultural center building in Beirut, according to reporting from Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation warning to residents of Tyre in southern Lebanon.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed four Lebanese military personnel and wounded five others in a single day. The strikes targeted the Qaa'qaa'yeh al-Jisr area in the south, with concerns raised that the attacks may escalate tensions with the Lebanese military.
Ambulance workers in southern Lebanon face a difficult situation between fulfilling their humanitarian responsibilities and being targeted by Israeli forces.
Egypt has emphasized that Israeli violations are escalating the humanitarian crisis and increasing civilian suffering, pushing hundreds of thousands toward displacement.
A UN human rights mandate has stated that Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings in Lebanon raise concerns under international law, according to reporting from the UN Human Rights Office.
Israel conducted aerial strikes on three areas of Beirut on Tuesday morning, according to official media sources. One strike targeted a residential building. Additional strikes were reported in southern Lebanon.
An Iranian missile barrage struck central Israel, killing two people near Tel Aviv in Ramat Gan and causing extensive property damage to buildings and vehicles across the region. Israel's health ministry reported 192 people injured over the past 24 hours. Iran said four people were killed and eight wounded in US-Israeli strikes on rural areas in Lorestan province.
Iranian ballistic missiles struck Israeli targets, resulting in casualties in the Ramata Gan area and significant damage to a Qatari power station. Additional missiles struck the Holon region, causing further damage and casualties.
The Israeli military and Shin Bet security service announced on Monday that they killed a commander of Hamas's naval organization in northern Gaza. The deceased was identified as Younis Muhammad Hussein Alyan, who led the maritime unit.
Hamas is conducting discussions in Cairo regarding a Gaza ceasefire agreement. The talks occur as Israel remains engaged in conflict with Iran, deviating from commitments related to a Gaza ceasefire accord.
For the first time since the war in Gaza began over two years ago, residents are making preparations for Eid al-Fitr, including purchasing new clothes for children. However, celebrations are tempered by widespread anxiety about the humanitarian situation.
A film titled "Gaza Grad" documents the experiences of survivors who have fled Gaza, examining the deep psychological and humanitarian transformations they face as they cope with loss and attempt to rebuild their lives in exile.
Six people were killed in West Bank violence involving settlers during March. The incident occurred in a settlement area.
Soldiers were killed in an operation attributed to remnants of terrorist groups in Algeria. According to monitors, the underlying threat has not been fully eliminated and scattered cells continue to operate in remote border and mountainous areas.
Residents of Baghdad and Erbil express doubt about Iraqi government assertions that it is working to rebuild the country following regional conflict.
Concerns have been raised that the Syria-Iraq border could become a fragile zone where ISIS cells operate due to insufficient coordination between the two countries.