18 stories for 2026-03-22 · Armed conflict, civilian harm & humanitarian access
Despite extensive destruction in Baalbek and displacement of some residents, many inhabitants have chosen to remain in the city. Residents are preparing traditional Eid al-Fitr celebrations, including making the region's famous sweets and pastries.
The city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon is experiencing difficult humanitarian conditions due to ongoing fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah. Shelling and destruction have displaced residents, though some have chosen to remain. Volunteer first responders continue working in dangerous conditions to assist those who have not left the area.
Hezbollah announced on Sunday morning that it carried out 14 attacks using rockets, missiles, and anti-tank shells targeting Israeli military concentrations in southern Lebanon. The group's military media released a series of statements documenting the attacks, which also included rocket fire at various times from Saturday evening through Sunday morning.
Israeli ground forces reached the outskirts of Naqoura, a coastal town in southern Lebanon, in what was described as the first attack on this axis. The advance sparked direct armed clashes in the area.
An Israeli airstrike damaged the Cultural Center for the Book, a publishing house in southern Beirut, Lebanon. The strike destroyed the facility's book warehouse and headquarters, leaving the publisher in shock.
Israeli military operations continue in southern Lebanon, with fighting reported in multiple areas including the towns of al-Khiyam and al-Naqoura. Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah are ongoing across multiple fronts. The conflict is deepening Lebanon's economic crisis, with the Lebanese economy facing additional strain from the ongoing violence.
Israel has conducted strikes targeting both the civilian and military wings of Hezbollah in an effort to dismantle the organization.
Soroka Hospital in Beersheba reported treating 150 people following rocket attacks on the southern Israeli cities of Arad and Dimona. The attacks struck populated areas, with patients admitted for injuries of unspecified severity. The strikes occur amid ongoing exchanges between Israel and Iran involving repeated missile fire in recent days.
A person was killed following rocket fire from Lebanon that struck the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel, according to Israeli media reports. The incident occurred after what sources describe as a rocket attack originating from Lebanese territory.
Iranian attacks resulted in the collapse of defense systems and over 200 casualties reported killed and wounded in targeted areas of southern occupied territories, according to the Revolutionary Guards.
War continues to affect Eid observances in Gaza, particularly following Israel's tightened restrictions on goods entering the territory, citing security concerns. The conflict's impact on civilian life persists as aid access remains constrained.
Attacks have escalated in Iraq following strikes on Baghdad airport perimeter and Popular Mobilization Forces sites in Nineveh province.
Baghdad has experienced a series of coordinated drone attacks that coincide with escalating political and military tensions. An attack on the national intelligence agency headquarters on Saturday resulted in the death of an officer. These incidents suggest a possible end to an undeclared ceasefire.
On the morning of March 21, 1968, Israeli forces launched a major military operation involving tanks, aircraft, infantry, and armed units across three main Jordanian crossing points: Allenby Bridge, King Hussein Bridge, and Damiya Bridge.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE reported intercepting and destroying missiles and drones on Sunday. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry stated it intercepted and destroyed 9 drones in the Eastern Region and detected 3 ballistic missiles heading toward Riyadh.
Israeli forces targeted Syrian military sites and infrastructure, citing protection of Druze civilians in the Sweida region. The strikes mark a resumption of Syrian-Israeli hostilities.
An international project is rehabilitating urban services in Yemen, reaching millions of beneficiaries. The initiative focuses on sustainability and building city capacity for the post-conflict period.
Iran has targeted seven Arab countries, primarily in the Gulf region, with at least 4,447 missiles and cruise missiles, plus attacks by fighter aircraft, over a 22-day period according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency based on official statements through March 22. The attacks began on February 28.