11 stories for 2026-03-04 · Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations across Lebanon on March 3-4, including Beirut's southern suburbs, Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, and other areas. According to Lebanon's health ministry, the attacks resulted in at least 40 deaths and 246 injuries over two days. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for 30 southern Lebanese towns. Hezbollah responded with rocket and missile attacks.
UN agencies reported that at least 30,000 displaced people have taken shelter in Lebanon, with more expected to arrive. Lebanese authorities documented over 58,000 people displaced due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions.
Israeli forces began a ground incursion into southern Lebanon on Tuesday, supported by airstrikes, according to military announcements. The Israeli military characterized the operation as establishing an additional security layer. Lebanese security sources indicate the government is preparing for multiple scenarios, including a potential Israeli advance toward areas near Saida.
Israeli warplanes have launched attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and towns in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least five deaths. The Israeli military has issued expulsion orders in multiple neighborhoods including Hadath and Haret Hreik, and strikes on the towns of Shaqra and Jmeijmeh have wounded additional people. The escalation has triggered mass displacements across Lebanon.
The Israeli military issued an urgent warning on Wednesday to residents of 30 towns and villages in Lebanon, ordering them to evacuate in preparation for strikes. The military spokesperson cited monitoring of activities attributed to Hezbollah as the stated reason for the warnings.
Political and diplomatic contacts in Lebanon are intensifying regarding rapid military escalation and accompanying security and humanitarian concerns.
Israel has conducted airstrikes in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon, with at least four strikes reported since early Tuesday morning. The operations targeted Hezbollah leadership, according to the source.
A Lebanese official source confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that convoys have been launched from Lebanon toward Cyprus on Tuesday, noting that authorities are pursuing those who have deserted.
The Lebanese army evacuated several forward positions on Lebanon's southern border on Tuesday, while Israeli forces intensified their deployment in southern Lebanon.
According to an official statement, reception centers in Beirut and Sidon have reached their absorption capacity limits.
According to Al-Akhbar, the Lebanese government has not developed concrete plans to accommodate displaced refugees.