15 stories for 2026-03-18 · Lebanon
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.
The city of Aaleh in Mount Lebanon is conducting identity verification of displaced persons arriving from southern Lebanon. The measure aims to reassure anxious residents amid escalating Israeli strikes on areas outside Hezbollah positions.
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.
Lebanon's military court has moved to implement a government decision banning the military and security activities of Hezbollah. The court opened legal cases as part of practical enforcement of the ban.
Lebanon handed over more than 130 Syrian detainees to Damascus on Tuesday, according to a judicial source cited by AFP. The transfer was conducted in implementation of an agreement reached between the two countries in February.
Lebanese displaced persons hope to find adequate housing to return home, but some choose to return to unsafe residences rather than remain on the streets. The situation reflects the ongoing housing shortage facing those displaced from their homes.
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.