As of March 24, 2026, Lebanon is facing a severe escalation in conflict as Israeli military operations intensify across the country, particularly in the south and the suburbs of Beirut. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, with UNICEF reporting that over 300 children have been killed in the region since the onset of hostilities. Large-scale displacement is underway, with evacuation orders and continuous airstrikes emptying southern villages and forcing thousands of civilians to seek shelter in public spaces like Beirut’s waterfront. Tensions have been further inflamed by calls from Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for the annexation of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River. On the ground, the Israel Defense Forces continue to engage in strategic battles, including the capture of Hezbollah operatives, while targeting infrastructure such as petrol stations. Amid this violence, there are reports of growing domestic criticism toward Hezbollah from segments of the Lebanese population as the country grapples with the mounting toll of the war.