34 stories for 2026-03-04
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.
A report examines the complex relationship between humanitarian aid delivery and civilian harm in Gaza. The story highlights how aid provision and loss of life are connected in the territory's ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The Palestinian Ministry of Waqf reports a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, describing the attacks and their effects. The ministry warned of attempts to prepare conditions for altering the mosque's Islamic identity.
Gas, solar equipment, and humanitarian assistance entered Gaza through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing. The delivery represents aid access to the territory.
Israeli forces conducted raids across dozens of towns, villages, and camps in the West Bank on Wednesday. Local sources reported that Israeli forces raided multiple locations, detained dozens of Palestinians, and closed entrances to some areas with military barricades and dirt barriers. Some homes were reportedly converted into military bases.
Israel has denied allegations that it is occupying Lebanese territory.
Videos show Palestinians in various areas of the West Bank salvaging remains of rockets or working to dismantle rocket debris for sale.
Israeli shipping company Zim announced that Israeli authorities are using container vessels to repatriate dozens of healthcare workers who were detained abroad following the outbreak of war.
Israel has announced the reopening of the Kerem Abu Salem crossing to allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza. A Palestinian resident expressed concern that the closure had caused fears of famine returning to areas of the territory.
A Palestinian was killed in Khan Younis in southern Gaza following Israeli military fire. Ninety-three Palestinians were recovered from under destroyed homes in northern Gaza during the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military has imposed a strict siege on Gaza's shores since last Saturday, preventing fishermen from accessing the sea and contributing to a worsening protein shortage. Border crossings into Gaza remain closed.
Israeli forces killed aid workers in Siddikin. No further details are provided in the source material.
Yanar Mohammed, a women's rights activist in Iraq, was killed by gunmen. The circumstances and details of the incident are not provided in the available information.
Iran and Iraqi proxy forces are escalating attacks against Kurdish opposition groups operating in the Kurdistan Region, according to reports. The intensified campaign targets opposition organizations in the area.
116 undocumented migrants were rescued off the coast of Tobruk in eastern Libya after spending 24 hours in Mediterranean waters. The rescue was part of migrant smuggling operations attempting to reach Europe.
Hundreds of refugees are being forced across the Sahara Desert without food or water. The dangerous journey spans a 600-kilometer desert route from the Libya-Niger border to Libya, before branching toward Algeria and Morocco. Survivor testimonies reveal a desperate struggle for survival.
Bahrain's general command announced that its air defense systems destroyed 73 rockets and 91 drones described as Iranian in origin. The statement characterized the incident as Iranian terrorist aggression against Bahrain.
An Iraqi militia group has claimed responsibility for a drone attack in Jordan. Further details about the attack, including casualties or damage, were not provided in the available information.
Three children have gone missing in Morocco, causing alarm among families in the region. The disappearances have sparked concern among local residents.
Israeli aircraft sprayed herbicides over Syria's southern Quneitra province at least three times in late January, destroying crops and pastures, killing trees, and devastating local farmers.
Yemenis are facing disruptions to water supply infrastructure during the ongoing war. The conflict continues to affect essential services and civilian access to resources.
Kuwait's Ministry of Health reported the death of a girl from injuries sustained when debris fell in a residential area. In Israel, shrapnel from an Iranian missile fell in the west Jerusalem town of Beit Shemesh, which had previously sustained a missile strike earlier in the week.
On February 28, an airstrike directly hit an elementary girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, killing girls aged 7–12. The strike was part of ongoing U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets that began March 3, 2026, which also targeted other regions across Iran. Iranian authorities reported 165 deaths from the school strike.
American and Israeli airstrikes continued on March 3, 2026, targeting Tehran and other locations in Iran for a fourth consecutive day. Iranian airstrikes targeted military installations and convoys in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, and Israel. Witnesses in Tehran describe life under bombardment, mixing fear with hope for change.
A UN human rights official expressed deep concern on Wednesday about claims of civilian harm resulting from armed conflicts in the Middle East.