A town in southern Lebanon, center of recent Lebanon-Israel clashes
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed over 600 people and displaced nearly 800,000 amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The strikes follow Hezbollah's missile attacks and Iran-backed operations, deepening regional tensions and raising fears of wider war. The conflict has caused significant civilian casualties and displacement.
Since mid-April's US-brokered ceasefire, Israel has continued air and drone strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon and near Beirut while Hezbollah has been firing explosive drones and rockets at Israeli forces. Lebanese authorities have reported rising civilian casualties and infrastructure damage as US-facilitated Israel–Lebanon talks proceed in Washington (25 May 2026).
The New York Times has verified footage showing the use of white phosphorus by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh, Tyre, and other towns, as fighting with Hezbollah continues since March. The substance creates smoke screens and can ignite, prompting concerns about civilian harm under international law. Israel denies deliberate violations, while rights groups warn of potential harm.