SEE CAPTION FOR MORE INFORMATION / Attention editors: AFP covers the war in the Middle East through its extensive regional network, including bureaus in Tehran, Jerusalem, and several neighboring countries. Since the start of the conflict, journalists hav
A boy stands amid the debris of a destroyed building next to a portrait of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a media tour organised by Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in the Haret Hreik area of Beirut’s southern suburbs on April 20, 2026. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel to avenge the killing of the Iranian leader. Israel has responded with broad strikes across Lebanon and a ground offensive. (Photo by Ibrahim AMRO / AFP) /