900+ Dead, Over Million Displaced: How Lebanon Was Drawn Into War As Israel Steps Up Strikes

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 20:47 IST

Lebanon was pulled into the wider West Asia conflict on March 2, when the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel.

Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, carrying out fresh air strikes on Tuesday, including near Beirut’s airport and in the capital’s southern suburbs.

Lebanese state media reported that residential areas were hit, while an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed one Lebanese soldier and injured four others.

Despite the strikes, Beirut’s airport remains operational, according to the civil aviation authority. Israel has said it is targeting Hezbollah positions and has also announced “limited" ground operations in southern Lebanon.

At the same time, Israel has expanded evacuation warnings across large parts of southern Lebanon, covering areas stretching over 40 kilometres from the border. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, around 14 percent of Lebanese territory is now under such warnings.

How Lebanon Was Drawn Into The War

Lebanon was pulled into the wider West Asia conflict on March 2, when the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel. The group said the strikes were in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28.

Israel responded with heavy air strikes and later expanded its military campaign. Since then, more than 900 people have been killed in Lebanon, including women and children, according to the country’s health ministry. Over 2,000 people have also been injured.

The violence has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis. More than one million people have been displaced—over a sixth of Lebanon’s population—with at least 1,30,000 now living in shelters.

ALSO READ: Israel Planning ‘Massive’ Invasion Of Southern Lebanon To Dismantle Hezbollah

Civilians Paying Heavy Price: UN

The United Nations on Tuesday warned that civilians are paying a heavy price as the conflict grows. “Displacement is increasing incredibly quickly," said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, noting that many people fled their homes with almost nothing.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said displaced people in southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return until security concerns in northern Israel are addressed.

What Other Countries Are Saying

Several Western countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, have warned against a major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, they said such an escalation could have “devastating humanitarian consequences" and lead to a prolonged conflict.

They also backed efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah.

(With inputs from agencies)

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