Satellite Images Reveal Israel’s Destruction of the Historic City of Tyre

A new analysis of satellite imagery conducted by Al Jazeera’s open-source unit reveals widespread destruction in the coastal city of Tyre, southern Lebanon, following a wave of intensive Israeli airstrikes. Comparing satellite data from January 4 to June 4, 2026, shows large-scale flattening of densely populated residential areas, reducing many multi-story buildings to rubble.

The attacks come as Israel enforces its “Yellow Line” policy – establishing a 10-kilometer wide buffer zone along the border, similar to the model in Gaza. Tyre lies only 11 kilometers from this restricted zone, making it a direct target.

The civil defense forces of southern Lebanon said that on June 4, at least six people were killed in attacks on the town of Tayr Debba in the Tyre district. The previous day, 20 people died and dozens were injured even though a US-mediated ceasefire remained in effect. Since March 2, the total death toll from Israel’s military campaign has surpassed 3,600, with around 1.2 million people displaced.

According to data from the Tyre municipality, civilian infrastructure has suffered heavily: 31 airstrikes since March 2, 25 residential buildings completely or partially destroyed, along with severe damage to the power grid, water stations, telephone lines, and sewage systems. The attacks replicate the destructive pattern seen in the 2006 war, with entire neighborhoods razed, civilian casualties, and mass displacement.

Threat to World Heritage

The damage extends to Tyre’s invaluable historic areas. Satellite images show airstrikes hitting structures just meters away from the Tyre archaeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. This area falls under “enhanced protection” since November 2024 under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture issued an emergency statement condemning the attacks, stressing that the ancient city preserves nearly 5,000 years of human history and that protecting this heritage is an international obligation under law, not just Lebanon’s alone. Additionally, Israeli aircraft struck near the Lebanese Islamic University branch in Tyre, causing structural damage and destroying civilian cars parked nearby.

Palestinian Refugee Camp Targeted

Airstrikes also hit the el-Buss camp for Palestinian refugees, destroying several buildings within the UNRWA-run camp and severely damaging a local secondary school. About 246,000 Palestinians live in 12 official camps across Lebanon, most concentrated in the Tyre and Sidon districts.

The three main camps in the Tyre district – Rashidieh, el-Buss, and Burj Shemali – currently house 28,000 refugees. UNRWA confirms that one-third of them have already fled the camps due to the bombings.

Displacement Crisis

The exodus from Tyre is putting immense pressure on Lebanon’s entire humanitarian infrastructure. Of Tyre’s 60,000 permanent residents (including 10,000 living in the crowded Old City neighborhood), an estimated 8% fled within 48 hours of the latest military warnings. Previously, Tyre had already taken in 19,000 displaced people from border villages.

Main destinations:

• Sidon and its camps: The Ein el-Hilweh and Mieh Mieh camps in Sidon became the first stop, causing severe strain on food, water, and medical supplies.
• Beirut and its outskirts: Families moved to Beirut and Mount Lebanon, including areas like Iqlim al-Kharroub and Chouf, but those entering southern suburbs such as Burj al-Barajneh and Shatila face risks of secondary airstrikes.
• Far north: Hundreds of families traveled to Tripoli and Akkar, seeking shelter in the Nahr al-Bared and Beddawi camps, which are considered safer.