Live Reporting
Edited by Emily Atkinson and Owen Amos, with Carine Torbey and Lina Sinjab in Beirut, Jon Donnison in Israel, and reporting by BBC Persian
What is Hezbollah and why is it involved?
Published at 11:56 GMT
Raffi Berg
Middle East digital editor
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
The entry of Hezbollah in the conflict threatens to reopen a devastating year-long war between Israel and the Lebanese group which ended in a ceasefire 15 months ago.
Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist organization and one of the most powerful armed groups loyal to Iran in the region. Iran has supported, trained, and equipped Hezbollah to oppose Israel for decades.
Hezbollah and Israel have a history of attacking each other since the formation of the group in the 1980s. They engaged in deadly wars in 2006 and 2023-24, triggered by Hezbollah’s support for Palestinians in response to Israeli military actions.
The last war with Hezbollah resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Despite a ceasefire agreement in November 2024, the ceasefire is now at risk due to recent hostilities.
The population of Lebanon and northern Israel is anxious about the possibility of renewed conflict.
Lebanese government bans Hezbollah’s armed activities
Published at 11:52 GMT
Samantha Granville
Reporting from Beirut
The Lebanese government has banned Hezbollah’s armed activities throughout the country, according to the Prime Minister. This decision challenges the movement’s authority.
The ban follows Hezbollah’s recent rocket launches toward Israel, which were done without government consultation and go against the country’s policy of avoiding escalation.
The government sees these actions as violations of Lebanese sovereignty, with potential risks of broader war and giving Israel reasons for retaliation.
As Hezbollah remains armed despite recent conflicts, the government’s next steps remain unclear.
Heavy security, empty streets: The mood in Tehran and Karaj
Published at 11:44 GMT
Ghoncheh Habibiazad
Senior reporter, BBC Persian
Image source, Reuters
Difficult access to information in Iran has led to reports of heavy security presence in the streets with empty streets in Tehran and Karaj. Prices have increased and the internet has been down for over 48 hours.
Although quiet, businesses like bakeries and petrol stations remain busy. Recent reports claim a hospital in Tehran suffered collateral damage after nearby military attacks.
