BBC reporters were granted a limited, but unprecedented, pass into the Israeli‑occupied part of southern Lebanon. The footage was taken as a humanitarian convoy from the Order of Malta delivered aid to Christian villages that long‑time had been cut off by the war. The mission was staged on a Thursday—one day before a new ceasefire between Israel and the Shia‑Muslim group Hezbollah was announced.
While the BBC team observed a persistent Israeli military presence, the Army restricted filming of the convoy’s movements. Israel stated that it has no intention of withdrawing troops; instead it plans to develop a “security zone” along the border that is free of Hezbollah influence and serves to shield northern communities from rocket and drone attacks.
In the occupied territories, mainly Shia villages have been obliterated through Israeli air strikes or demolitions. Human‑rights organisations accuse Israel of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure—an act that could constitute a war crime.
The coverage was led by BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega and video journalist Neha Sharma, with additional reporting from Samantha Granville and Angie Mrad. For further details, readers can follow the live coverage linked below.
