Airstrikes across southern Beirut and Lebanon have triggered civilian casualties and renewed fears of a wider Middle East war.
May 29, 2026: Israel has launched a powerful wave of airstrikes across Lebanon, intensifying tensions in the region and triggering widespread destruction in southern Beirut. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from residential areas after multiple missiles struck densely populated neighbourhoods, leaving buildings damaged and civilians in panic. Emergency teams rushed to affected sites as the situation escalated amid fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
The Israeli military said its air force targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and carried out strikes on nearly 135 Hezbollah-linked positions across Lebanon. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer warned that Hezbollah leaders would not be safe even in Beirut, signalling the possibility of further escalation if cross-border attacks continue. In response, Hezbollah claimed it had launched 19 retaliatory strikes on Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon using rockets, artillery shells and drones.
Lebanese health authorities reported that at least one woman and two children were killed in the latest attacks in southern Beirut. Officials also said that since March 2, more than 3,300 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis. The latest escalation comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment as international observers closely monitor whether ongoing negotiations can prevent the conflict from expanding further.