Israel's attacks displace over 1.3 million people in southern Lebanon

Since Israel launched its latest offensive in southern Lebanon on 2 March 2026, more than 1.3 million residents—about one‑quarter of the country’s population—have been forced from their homes, including over 300,000 children. UNICEF reported that at least 19,000 children are displaced each day. The conflict has killed more than 3,400 Lebanese civilians and injured over 10,000, with a single wave of strikes (dubbed “Operation Eternal Darkness”) causing 357 deaths and 1,200 injuries within ten minutes. Infrastructure has been severely damaged: nine bridges over the Litani River were hit, seven destroyed; 55 primary‑care centres and hospitals have been shut; fuel depots, water stations and schools have been hit, leaving the south effectively isolated.

A cease‑fire extended to 45 days has not halted the violence. Families returning to villages such as Yater, Beit Lif and Bint Jbeil find homes shattered and basic services absent. Temporary crossing points have been set up on damaged bridges, and many residents must cross the Litani River on foot. Hezbollah warns of retaliation, while political talks in Washington continue, leaving displaced people in a state of limbo with no clear path to safety or reconstruction.