War and displacement disrupt Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Lebanon
Conflict and displacement are affecting many people in Lebanon as they prepare for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
39 stories for 2026-03-20
Lebanon
14
Israeli military attacks kill healthcare workers, damage facilities in Lebanon
Dozens of healthcare workers and first responders in Lebanon have been killed or injured since March 2, 2026, amid escalating Israeli military attacks. Israel has alleged without evidence that ambulances and healthcare sites are being used for military activities and may be targeted. Lebanese offices and publishing houses are also under attack, with civil society initiatives launched to protect them.
Bekaa Valley displaced mark Eid in overcrowded shelters amid strain
Displaced persons from Lebanon's Bekaa Valley are spending Eid al-Fitr in cramped accommodation centers far from their homes and families. The shelters face economic and service pressures while residents cope with the loss of normal holiday celebrations.
Israel demands evacuation of southern Lebanon amid escalating strikes
The Israeli military has renewed calls for residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes as strikes intensify across towns and villages in the region. Israel stated it has begun bombing bridges on the Litani River to prevent Hezbollah fighters from transporting weapons. A major power plant in southern Lebanon has been taken offline following Israeli strikes.
Israeli war reshapes Lebanon's weapons debate into polarized discourse
An analysis examines how conflict has transformed discussions about weapons in Lebanon, deepening divisions and intensifying rhetoric. The piece argues that digital spaces have become additional arenas for conflict where language is weaponized, delegitimizing opponents, and sometimes serving as symbolic prelude to violence.
Israeli airstrikes target southern Lebanese villages, causing casualties
Israel carried out airstrikes on villages in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries according to Lebanon's official news agency.
Russia accuses Israel of targeting RT journalists in Lebanon strike
Russia has accused the Israeli military of conducting a targeted attack that resulted in injuries to two journalists working for the RT news channel in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred following what Russia describes as a precision strike in the region.
Israeli attack disables major power station in southern Lebanon
An Israeli attack on southern Lebanon on Thursday resulted in the shutdown of a main electricity transmission station, according to Lebanon's electricity authority. The strike damaged critical infrastructure in the Sultaniyeh area, taking a primary power facility offline.
Musical initiative in Lebanon supports war-affected populations
A Lebanese initiative titled "For Lebanon" aims to address feelings of helplessness among Lebanese citizens through art. The initiative transforms art into a humanitarian support mechanism for those harmed by conflict.
Lebanon's economic crisis undermines holiday celebrations amid wage stagnation
Lebanese citizens face difficulties meeting their needs during holiday celebrations due to economic hardship. The situation is exacerbated by continued increases in the black market dollar exchange rate and stagnant wages, making holiday expenses increasingly unaffordable.
Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon exceed 1,000 deaths since conflict escalation
Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people since the conflict with Hezbollah began in early March, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Israel has escalated operations in recent days, including targeting fuel stations associated with the group.
Over one million Lebanese displaced from homes, parliament speaker says
Lebanon's parliament speaker announced that more than one million Lebanese have been displaced from their homes and cities. The statement was made on Thursday.
Officials warn against discrimination in food aid distribution
Officials have called for equitable distribution of food aid without discrimination. The statement emphasizes the importance of fair and non-discriminatory practices in humanitarian assistance delivery.
Israeli forces advance on Lebanese towns amid Hezbollah resistance
Israeli forces have taken control of most of the outskirts of the towns of Khiam and Taybeh in Lebanon, including eastern, northern, and southern edges, in an effort to control strategically important hilltop positions. Hezbollah has mounted resistance to these advances in the area.
Israel/Palestine
12
Palestinian women killed in Iranian missile attack on West Bank
Three Palestinian women were killed in a beauty salon in the southern West Bank during an Iranian missile attack. Others were injured in the strike, and a Thai worker was also killed by falling shrapnel in Israel.
Israeli settlers accused of sexual assault against Palestinian
Israeli settlers have been accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian in front of their family, according to Middle East Monitor.
UN warns of ethnic cleansing as Palestinians displaced in West Bank
The UN has warned of ethnic cleansing amid the displacement of 36,000 Palestinians in the West Bank.
Gaza orphans mark Eid amid loss from conflict
Children orphaned by the war in Gaza face Eid celebrations without families. Many have lost parents and relatives, with thousands now without family members to mark the holiday with them.
Four killed in Gaza as Israeli military continues ceasefire violations
The Israeli military continues to violate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, resulting in four additional deaths. The Rafah crossing has been partially reopened to allow a limited number of patients through. Since the ceasefire agreement began, the death toll has reached 681 people.
Gaza faces Eid amid shortages, destruction, and ongoing casualties
Gaza is preparing to observe Eid al-Fitr amid severe humanitarian challenges. The territory faces soaring prices, food shortages, a blockade, and daily casualties. Most central and historic markets in Gaza have been destroyed during the conflict, though informal markets operating from temporary stalls have emerged to meet basic needs.
Israel prevents Eid prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque for first time since 1967
Israeli authorities blocked Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Friday, marking the first such prohibition since the 1967 occupation. Israeli police deployed heavily throughout Jerusalem's Old City and erected iron barriers at entrances to prevent worshippers from accessing the mosque.
Four Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza City
Four Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza City, according to reports from the Civil Defense Authority and hospitals in the Gaza Strip.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards announces attacks on Israeli refineries
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that it attacked refineries in Haifa and Ashdod using missiles. The second source references this as the 65th wave of attacks.
Rafah crossing reopens after 19-day closure; humanitarian corridor discussions ongoing
After 19 days of closure, the Rafah crossing has reopened from the Palestinian side. The reopening has prompted renewed discussion about humanitarian corridors, with preparations underway for the return of Palestinians who had been treated outside the Gaza Strip.
Israeli military chief expresses concern over settler militia violence
The head of the Israeli military has expressed concern about allegations of crimes by settler militias in the West Bank, stating that these groups are targeting Palestinians with killing and torture.
Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopens for first time since war began
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been reopened today, marking the first time the border has reopened since the start of the Israeli-American conflict.
Syria
5
Syrian artist publishes illustrated book documenting life under dictatorship
A Syrian visual artist has published an illustrated book titled "In the School of Dictatorship" that documents experiences of Syrians, particularly children, during years of authoritarian rule and conflict. The work combines investigative journalism, visual narrative, and personal testimony to preserve accounts that may otherwise be lost.
Israeli military strikes Syrian government targets in southern Syria
The Israeli military conducted airstrikes against targets belonging to the Syrian government in southern Syria, according to reports. The strikes followed attacks on Druze civilians.
Ahmad al-Shara's rise raises questions about power consolidation in Syria
Ahmad al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Golani, has taken power by force in Syria. His trajectory raises questions and scrutiny, with observers noting his transformation from a jihadist fighter to a pragmatic state actor. Analysis of his rise examines power struggles and relationships that shaped the Syrian civil war.
Hula town faces potential extinction amid massacre documentation efforts
Years after separation from Hula due to a massacre, the town is establishing a collective memory initiative to document the events. However, Hula now faces potential disappearance, raising difficult questions for descendants of the massacre's victims regarding the fate of their ancestors' remains.
Syria releases 600 detainees in SDF-government coordination deal
Syrian authorities released 600 detainees held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government. The release followed a meeting between Syrian officials and SDF leadership aimed at arranging the release of additional detainees and coordinating the integration of SDF forces into Syrian state institutions.
Tunisia
2
Civil society in Tunisia faces marginalization and restrictions
Civil society organizations in Tunisia are experiencing marginalization and tightening constraints on their operations, according to reporting from Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Tunisian human rights groups oppose charges against anti-racism activist
Defense lawyers and human rights organizations have called for the rejection of charges against anti-racism activist Saadia Mosbah during her court proceedings. The groups have opposed the case brought against her.
Yemen
2
Yemen faces severe hunger crisis amid ongoing conflict
Yemen is experiencing its worst food security crisis in 11 years, with widespread hunger affecting the population amid continued armed conflict.
UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen amid funding gaps
The United Nations has warned of escalating humanitarian needs in Yemen, with 22.3 million people requiring assistance. The crisis is being exacerbated by funding shortfalls, access challenges, and difficulties reaching millions facing hunger and disease.
Iran
1
Israel announces assassination of Iranian security officials in Larijan
Israel announced on Wednesday the killing of Iran's national security council secretary and a Basij commander in Larijan through what it described as one of its most significant assassination operations.
Iraq
1
U.S. diplomatic facility near Baghdad airport targeted by rockets
Security sources reported on Wednesday that a U.S. diplomatic facility near Baghdad airport was targeted by Katyusha rockets, with alarm systems activated at the facility.
Regional
2
Iran arrests 97 people on alleged Israeli military affiliation charges
Iranian state media reported that the Ministry of Intelligence arrested 97 people accused of belonging to the Israeli military. This is part of a broader security operation that has resulted in hundreds of arrests since the beginning of the war, with authorities alleging suspicions of ties to Israel and the United States. In a separate incident, 41 people were arrested on charges of sending video clips to foreign opposition media outlets.
Health experts warn of toxic dust hazards from building destruction
Health experts caution that dust from destroyed buildings poses serious public health risks, as it can release toxic substances including asbestos, heavy metals, and crystalline silica, according to a health and occupational safety expert.