Israel Invades Lebanon as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens and Oil Prices Surge
Israel has launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, displacing over one million people and killing more than 1,300 in a rapidly escalating conflict that has sent oil prices surging and prompted grave concern from European governments including the United Kingdom.
The conflict began on 2 March 2026, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with strikes across Lebanon, including Beirut, and initiated ground operations in southern Lebanon on 16 March. As of 2 April, at least 1,318 people have been killed and 3,935 injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
A Million Displaced
The Israeli offensive has triggered one of the largest and fastest displacement crises in Lebanon's history. Over one million people -- approximately 20% of Lebanon's population -- have been forced from their homes. Israel has ordered residents to move north of the Zahrani River, an area comprising 15-20% of Lebanon's territory, while continuing to strike bridges, homes, highways, and gas stations within the evacuation zone.
Displaced individuals are seeking refuge in schools converted into shelters and in tents at a soccer stadium in Beirut. Former Lebanese Minister of Public Health Dr Firass Abiad described the situation as devastating for both the displaced and the already vulnerable populations hosting them.
Israel's Security Zone Plans
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has outlined plans for a permanent security zone in southern Lebanon, extending up to the Litani River and covering almost one-tenth of the country. Israel plans to maintain security control over this area even after the current war ends, and has stated that over 600,000 displaced residents will be completely prohibited from returning south of the Litani River until Israel deems itself secure.
Dr Abiad described Israel's actions -- including the razing of civilian homes and the depopulation of significant areas -- as ethnic cleansing. Human Rights Watch researcher Ramzi Kaiss stated that broad and open-ended evacuation warnings could amount to a war crime.
International Response
France, Canada, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have expressed grave concern and called for immediate de-escalation, while also condemning Hezbollah's decision to join Iran in hostilities. Ten European countries and the EU have jointly called for a ceasefire and respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned Israel's actions as blatant breaches of international law and international humanitarian law.
The conflict has had severe global economic repercussions, causing oil prices to jump and stock markets to fall. Europe is bracing for a prolonged energy crisis, with Germany considering temporary speed limits to conserve fuel.
What's Next
Iran has conditioned a ceasefire in the wider Iran war on ending the Lebanon conflict and attacks on Hezbollah. With no diplomatic breakthrough in sight, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is expected to deteriorate further in the coming weeks.
Full coverage from Al Jazeera at Al Jazeera.
