UNIFIL is in the news after Israeli strikes and clashes with Hezbollah escalate in Lebanon, with peacekeepers targeted and troop deaths reported.
Syria and Lebanon signed a treaty to transfer over 300 prisoners, aiming to improve relations after years of tension. The deal, signed in Beirut, addresses longstanding issues including missing persons and prisoner transfers, amid recent diplomatic efforts following Syria's political changes. Implementation begins soon.
A UN report reveals a surge in incidents targeting peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, with attacks increasing from one in January to 27 in December 2025. The violence appears aimed at undermining UNIFIL and expanding Israel's military presence, amid ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel. The UN mission faces an uncertain future as tensions escalate.
Lebanese authorities report Israeli forces sprayed herbicide glyphosate along the border, causing environmental and health concerns. Samples show high concentrations, and Lebanon plans to escalate the issue internationally. The incident follows ongoing tensions and previous Israeli actions in the region.
German President Steinmeier announced that Germany will withdraw its troops from UNIFIL in Lebanon by the end of 2026, after nearly five decades. Germany is training Lebanese forces and plans to support a follow-up presence, amid ongoing tensions and calls for disarmament of Hezbollah.
Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs and areas in Lebanon’s south and east, amid ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Thousands fled as Lebanon warns of a humanitarian crisis. Hezbollah responded with rocket fire and threats, while Israel expanded military operations. The situation remains highly volatile today, March 6, 2026.
Ghanaian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon were attacked during ongoing Middle East hostilities, injuring three soldiers and damaging their base. The UN and Ghana demand investigation and accountability amid escalating violence involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran proxies. The incident highlights increasing risks for UN forces in the region.
UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon were hit by Israeli tank fire on March 6, wounding Ghanaian soldiers. Israel admits its troops mistakenly targeted UN positions amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The incident raises concerns over escalating violence and the safety of peacekeepers as Israeli operations expand in the region.
Israel has launched extensive strikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and threatening a ground invasion. Israeli officials plan to control territory up to the Litani River, displacing over a million civilians. Lebanon responds with fierce clashes, while international calls for restraint grow. The conflict deepens regional instability.
As of late March 2026, Israel has intensified its military campaign in southern Lebanon, expanding a security buffer zone up to the Litani River to counter Hezbollah rocket and missile attacks. The offensive includes ground advances, airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, and destruction of infrastructure. Over 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced, with more than 1,200 killed. Israel aims to secure its northern border and weaken Iran-backed Hezbollah.
On March 29-30, 2026, three Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon during escalating Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. A UN probe attributes one death to Israeli tank fire and two others to a Hezbollah-placed improvised explosive device. Investigations continue amid calls from Indonesia for accountability and enhanced protection for peacekeepers.
Since early March 2026, Israel has launched intensified airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, killing over 2,000 people and displacing more than one million. Israeli forces are encircling and assaulting the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Hezbollah continues rocket attacks into northern Israel. Lebanon and Israel have held preliminary talks in Washington to seek a ceasefire.
Lebanese Christians marked Easter Sunday under fire, with ongoing clashes and Israeli air strikes causing shortages and displacement. Aid deliveries to border villages were canceled due to shelling, and residents refused to evacuate, emphasizing their attachment to their land amid ongoing violence.
A French UN peacekeeper has died from wounds sustained during an ambush in southern Lebanon while clearing a route to an isolated UNIFIL post. France and the UN have blamed Hezbollah, which denies involvement. Lebanese authorities have launched an investigation. The UN is considering a smaller peacekeeping presence after UNIFIL's mandate ends in December 2026.
Pakistan is preparing for U.S.-Iran talks as the ceasefire in Lebanon and Israel remains fragile. Lebanon and Israel are set to hold direct negotiations in Washington, while violence continues with casualties and accusations against Hezbollah. Macron and Salam are addressing humanitarian and economic issues in Lebanon.
On Wednesday, Amal Khalil, a Lebanese journalist for Al-Akhbar, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in the village of al-Tayri, southern Lebanon. She and colleague Zeinab Faraj took shelter after an initial strike hit their vehicle. A second strike targeted the house where they hid. Rescue efforts were delayed by Israeli fire. The incident has sparked condemnation amid ongoing ceasefire talks.