Israeli Strike on Beirut Kills Dozens, Displaces Hundreds of Thousands

A series of attacks across the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, have resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement. An Israeli strike on the Ramlet al-Bayda beach area in Beirut on Thursday has killed at least twelve people and wounded 28, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attack is the third to directly target the heart of the Lebanese capital since the escalation of regional conflict began.

Damage to a car following an Israeli airstrike at Ramlet al-Baida public beach in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 12, 2026. (Photo: Bilal Hussein / AP)

Escalation of Conflict and Hezbollah Targets

The Israeli military (IDF) stated it launched attacks targeting what it claims are Hezbollah’s “terrorist infrastructure” across Lebanon. Specifically, the IDF reported attacking 10 different Hezbollah headquarters in the Dahieh area within 30 minutes, including intelligence headquarters, the Radwan unit headquarters, and several command centers. Naharnet Newsdesk reported this information on March 12, 2026.

Displacement Crisis in Beirut

The Ramlet al-Bayda beach area has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people, many of whom were forced to evacuate their homes in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut following Israeli evacuation orders. More than 700,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon since March 2nd, according to UN figures. Many displaced individuals were sheltering in tents along the seaside when the strike occurred.

“We saw dead people on the ground,” said Aseel Habbaj, a displaced woman who had been sheltering in a nearby tent after fleeing Israeli bombings in other areas of Lebanon. “We were all asleep in my tent, when suddenly we heard a noise… before a second strike wounded her husband.”

Dalal al-Sayed, a 40-year-classic resident who sought shelter at the beach after fleeing attacks in southern Lebanon, explained that her family could not afford alternative housing. “We won’t leave, we will stay here even if we die,” she stated, highlighting the desperation of those displaced.

Regional Impacts and Oil Prices

The attacks extend beyond Lebanon. Two foreign tankers loaded with Iraqi fuel oil were attacked in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, resulting in one fatality and the evacuation of 38 crew members. A military base in Kurdish northern Iraq, housing Italian soldiers, was also attacked, though no injuries were reported.

In Bahrain, authorities issued an emergency warning following a large-scale Iranian attack on fuel stores, leading to a massive fire near the country’s main airport and concerns about toxic smoke.

These attacks have fueled fears of disruptions to oil supplies, causing the price of North Sea oil (Brent) to rise over 9 percent overnight, trading at over $100 a barrel. This price surge comes despite recent efforts by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release 400 million barrels of oil from global emergency storage.

The Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil, is experiencing increased tension. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil are transported through the strait daily, representing roughly $600 billion in annual trade. Iran has threatened to disrupt traffic through the strait, potentially leading to significant global economic consequences. The G7 countries are exploring options to provide escort services to ships in the Gulf.

Statements from Leaders

President Donald Trump claimed Iran is nearing “total defeat” and threatened further attacks that could cripple the country’s ability to rebuild.

Updated March 12, 2026, at 15:23