Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon on March 16, 2026, opening a new front in the expanding regional conflict. The Israeli military says the operation targets Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters, but the humanitarian toll has been devastating.
Devastating Toll
Lebanon reports that at least 54 health workers are among more than 1,400 people killed during the invasion — a mix of militants and civilians. The war has displaced nearly one million people, roughly 20 percent of Lebanon’s entire population.
Military Operations
During the first month, Hezbollah fired drones and as many as 1,800 rockets into Israel, while Israel conducted hundreds of airstrikes across southern Lebanon, Beirut, and the Beqaa Valley. Israel has stated its intention to push forces up to the Litani River.
Background
This follows Israel’s previous invasion in October 2024, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November of that year. However, both sides violated the ceasefire terms — Israel continued near-daily attacks into Lebanon, while Hezbollah rebuilt its militant infrastructure and weapons arsenal.
Humanitarian Crisis
Israeli strikes have damaged hospitals and critical infrastructure. Human rights organisations have called for accountability, warning that the scale of civilian casualties raises serious questions under international humanitarian law.
Leave a Reply