Israel's Lebanon offensive kills thousands and displaces over a million

Since Israel resumed a large‑scale offensive in southern Lebanon in March 2026, the conflict has escalated dramatically. Israeli forces have killed at least 3,400 people and forced the displacement of more than one million civilians—over 20 % of Lebanon’s population. The ground assault seized the historic Beaufort Castle and was accompanied by air raids described by Israel as “Operation Eternal Darkness,” which struck more than 100 targets in minutes, including residential neighbourhoods, hospitals, ambulances and other civilian infrastructure.

Human‑rights monitors report repeated violations of cease‑fire agreements, with strikes on multi‑storey buildings, use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, and forced evacuations covering more than 14 % of Lebanese territory. Journalists have been specifically targeted; at least 15 media workers have been killed in Lebanon, including a car attack on Al Manar reporter Ali Shoeib and the death of veteran correspondent Amal Khalil.

The campaign is linked to the broader U.S.–Israel‑Iran confrontation, with Washington providing weapons, intelligence and financial support that enables Israel’s operations across both Gaza and Lebanon.