Lebanon Conflict Drives 75.9 Percent Rise in Reported Gender-Based Violence in April 2026
The Lebanon conflict has produced a sharp increase in reported gender-based violence incidents alongside extensive damage to sites across southern Lebanon. Reported incidents increased sharply by 75.9 per cent between March and April and by a further 1.6 per cent in May, with women and girls continuing to account for the overwhelming share of cases. [1]
Overview of the Conflict Resumption
A November 2024 ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel collapsed on March 2 2026 after persistent daily violations and Israel's continued occupation of five positions in southern Lebanon. [3] These positions blocked reconstruction and the return of displaced residents. [4] The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which began in October 2023 and spiked in September 2024, entered a new phase in early 2026. [5] The truce officially collapsed on March 2, 2026, following U.S. and I. [3]
Sharp Rise in Gender-Based Violence
Reported gender-based violence incidents in Lebanon increased sharply by 75.9 percent between March and April 2026 after the resumption of conflict in March, followed by a further 1.6 percent rise in May. [1] Women and girls accounted for the overwhelming majority of cases. [1] This report presents a comparative analysis of gender-based violence incidents reported through the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System in Lebanon during April and May 2026. [1] Following the resumption of conflict in March, reported incidents increased sharply by 75.9 per cent between March and April and by a further 1.6 per cent in May. [1]
Destruction of Historic and Cultural Landmarks
Israeli forces have occupied, destroyed or taken control of numerous historic, religious and cultural landmarks in southern Lebanon. [2] Months into its invasion of southern Lebanon, Israeli forces have occupied, destroyed or taken control of numerous landmarks, including sites that symbolised resistance to Israel's previous occupation, as well as historic, religious and cultural heritage sites. [2] The Israeli military has transformed the notorious Khiam detention centre into a fortified military position complete with a helipad. [2] Originally built by the French Mandate authorities as military barracks, the Khiam detention centre was later operated by the Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army during Israel's 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000. [2] More than 5,000 detainees are believed to have passed through the prison, where torture was systematic and at least ten prisoners died. [2] Following Israel's withdrawal in 2000, the prison was turned into a museum and memorial documenting the abuses committed during the occupation. [2] It was heavily damaged during Israel's 2006 war on Lebanon. [2] Now, 26 years after Lebanon declared the south liberated, Israeli forces have once again seized the site, bulldozing large sections of the former prison and converting it into a military base. [2] Recent satellite imagery shows the detention centre and its surroundings blackened and heavily altered, with Israeli forces constructing earth berms, defensive positions and radar installations. [2] Although Israeli troops first occupied the site in May, the images have recently resurfaced online, highlighting the scale of the military fortifications. [2] The town of Khiam, perched on a strategic hill overlooking both southern Lebanon and northern Israel, has itself suffered widespread destruction. [2]
Israel's military actions damaged historic landmarks in southern Lebanon. — Source: thenewarab
Impact on World Heritage and Religious Sites
Lebanon crisis situation analysis map for period 29 June to 5 July 2026. — Source: reliefweb
World Heritage sites such as parts of Tyre have sustained damage from repeated Israeli strikes, with debris covering ancient columns, while Beaufort Castle remains under Israeli military control after its capture in late May. [2] Israel's military campaign has also affected a number of archaeological, cultural and religious heritage sites across Lebanon, with some sustaining direct damage and others remaining under Israeli military control. [2] Home to the shrine of St Peter, a site revered by both Christians and Shia Muslims, Shamaa suffered extensive destruction during Israeli attacks in 2024 and again in 2026. [2] The 12th-century Crusader fortress overlooking the Litani River was captured by Israeli forces in late May after days of intense fighting. [2] Long regarded as one of southern Lebanon's most strategically important landmarks, Beaufort commands sweeping views across the south and into northern Israel. [2] While no major structural damage has been reported, the castle remains under Israeli military control. [2] One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the Mediterranean and home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Tyre has been repeatedly bombed during Israel's offensive. [2] Entire neighbourhoods have been levelled, while nearby strikes caused damage around the city's archaeological complex. [2] Images showed dust and debris covering ancient columns, alongside twisted metal and shattered trees scattered among centuries-old ruins. [2] Archaeologists and heritage organisations have repeatedly warned that continued bombardment threatens one of the eastern Mediterranean's most significant archaeological landscapes. [2] Beyond Shamaa, Israeli attacks have damaged numerous Muslim and Christian places of worship across southern Lebanon. [2] According to Lebanese authorities, at least nine mosques have been damaged or destroyed, including the Prophet Shuayb Mosque in Blida, the historic mosque in Aitaroun, the historic mosque in Nabatieh al-Tahta, the Grand Mosque of Bint Jbeil, the Hay al-Bayyad Mosque in Nabatieh, and the Prophet Mhaibib Mosque and shrine in Mays al-Jabal. [2] At least eight churches have also sustained damage, including the medieval St Mema Church and Monastery in Deir Mimas, St George Church in Derdghaya and St Elijah the Living Church in Alma al-Shaab. [2] In the eastern Beqaa Valley, several historical landmarks around the ancient city of Baalbek were hit during the 2024 war, including the French Mandate-era Gouraud Barracks, part of a Roman defensive wall, and a 13th-century Ayyubid mausoleum in nearby Douris. [2]
Economic Consequences
At least nine mosques and eight churches across southern Lebanon have been damaged or destroyed, alongside the devastation of economic hubs including Nabatieh's historic Ottoman-era souk and commercial streets in Tyre and Bint Jbeil. [2] Israel's bombardment has also devastated the commercial heart of southern Lebanon, destroying marketplaces, businesses and civilian infrastructure that sustained local communities. [2] Among the hardest-hit urban centres are Nabatieh, Tyre and Bint Jbeil. [2] Nabatieh's historic Ottoman-era souk suffered extensive destruction during Israeli strikes in both 2024 and 2026, with large sections of the city reduced to ruins. [2] Bint Jbeil's historic market also sustained heavy damage. [2] In Tyre, air strikes hit busy commercial streets lined with shops, restaurants and cafés, further crippling the local economy. [2]
Environmental Consequences
The conflict has caused severe environmental damage through the use of white phosphorus, bombardment and bulldozing, destroying thousands of olive trees, fruit orchards and agricultural land along the occupied border strip. [2] The war has also inflicted severe environmental damage across southern Lebanon. [2] Israel's repeated use of white phosphorus, alongside intensive bombardment and bulldozing operations, has contaminated farmland, damaged air quality and polluted water sources. [2] Satellite imagery and field reports have documented the destruction of thousands of olive trees and fruit orchards, while extensive swathes of agricultural land along the occupied border strip have been systematically bulldozed. [2]
What to watch next: Persistent daily violations and Israel's continued occupation of five positions in southern Lebanon continue to block reconstruction and the return of displaced residents.
