Israeli strikes in Beirut as Hezbollah launches drones at Israel

Israeli forces intensified their bombardment of Beirut's southern suburbs on March 3, 2026, targeting areas controlled by Hezbollah in response to the militant group's drone attacks against Israeli territory. The strikes, which sent clouds of smoke rising over the Lebanese capital, have forced thousands of residents to evacuate as Israel issued new evacuation orders for the affected neighborhoods. According to Al Jazeera's correspondent Heidi Pett reporting from the scene, the Israeli military specifically stated they are targeting 'Hezbollah-controlled areas' in what they describe as necessary defensive measures. The forced displacement of thousands of civilians adds a humanitarian dimension to the military confrontation, with families fleeing their homes amid the escalating violence. This exchange of fire represents the most serious cross-border violence between Israel and Lebanon in recent years, raising concerns about a potential wider regional conflict as the international community closely monitors the situation.