BBC sees destroyed villages in Israeli-occupied southern Lebanon

BBC sees destroyed villages in Israeli-occupied southern Lebanon The BBC has been given rare access to the part of southern Lebanon that is under Israeli occupation, as part of a humanitarian convoy of the Order of Malta distributing aid to Christian villages that have been isolated because of the war. The mission happened on Thursday, a day before the announcement of a new ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the Shia Muslim armed group Hezbollah. The team saw the Israeli military presence but was not allowed to film much of the journey. Israel says it has no intention of withdrawing its troops from Lebanon, and that its plan is to create a security zone along the border, Hezbollah-free, to protect its northern communities from the group's rockets and drones. In the occupied areas, mainly Shia villages have been completely destroyed by Israeli air strikes or demolitions. Human rights groups say that some of what has happened there amounts to the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, a possible war crime. The BBC's Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega and video journalist Neha Sharma report from southern Lebanon. Additional reporting by Samantha Granville and Angie Mrad. More on this story. 17 minutes ago Lebanon Israel Share Save Iranian-Americans protest against Iran team at World Cup The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil was outside the Iran v New Zealand opening round match as protesters called for an end to Tehran’s clerical regime. Middle East Watch: What does the US-Iran deal to end war mean for Lebanon and Israel? It's not clear if the deal means the Israelis will pause their offensive in Lebanon, BBC international editor Jeremy Bowen reports. Middle East Trump tells BBC Netanyahu did not defy him In a call with the US president, the BBC’s Sarah Smith asked Trump about the war in Iran and his relationship with the Israeli leader. Middle East Watch: New footage shows moment Iranian drone struck Kuwait airport One person was killed and more than 60 injured in the Iranian drone strike on Wednesday. Middle East Are the US and Iran close to reaching a peace deal… again? BBC’s Sarah Smith looks at why both countries are in a tense cycle of negotiations, despite the progress President Trump consistently claims. Middle East BBC speaks to civilians inside Iran struggling with impact of war Iranian authorities have imposed an internet ban but using trusted sources, special correspondent Fergal Keane hears from those traumatised by conflict and government repression. Middle East Return of Palestine Marathon attracts thousands of runners Thousands of people have taken part in the Palestine Marathon, which returns to Bethlehem after a two-year pause over the Gaza War. Middle East Trump pauses 'Project Freedom' after two days President Trump has suspended anoperation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz - BBC Verify explains the timeline. Middle East Captain of stranded ship in Strait of Hormuz tells BBC of 'pressure' Capt Raman Kapoor