BBC News Briefing

9 April, 2026

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck

Alex Binley

Hello. As Israeli strikes on Lebanon intensify and the death toll increases, fears are growing that the fragile ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran may not hold. A historic war crimes case is challenging the way Australia views itself and its armed forces - we explore why. And finally, watch as Pope Leo shows off some basketball skills.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

More than 200 killed in Israeli strikes, Lebanon says

Dozens of people in safety and firefighting gear climb over a vast pile of rubble next to a destoyed building, searching for people.

Israel said more than 100 air strikes were carried out on what it said were Hezbollah targets in 10 minutes on Wednesday. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock

Israel's strikes on Lebanon are a "grave violation" of the ceasefire, Iran's deputy foreign minister has told the BBC. Saeed Khatibzadeh accused Israel of a "massacre" in the country after 203 people were killed and more than 1,000 wounded on Wednesday, according to the health ministry. Khatibzadeh also said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen if the US withdraws its "aggression". Israel claims the ceasefire does not include Lebanon and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country will continue to strike Hezbollah "wherever necessary". Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega reports on a "day of horror" in Beirut and writes that "it's hard to know what Israel's long-term strategy is".

Latest updates

Watch: Hugo Bachega reports from the site of one of the deadliest strikes.

Strikes: BBC Verify reports on Israel's claim it hit Lebanon 100 times in 10 minutes, in what it said was the largest wave of air strikes in the conflict.

Nato: US President Donald Trump has again attacked the military alliance, after a "very frank" meeting with its secretary general.

WORLD HEADLINES

A large red brick building with a large tower in the middle. It is surroundd by trees.

Chinese researcher dies after questioning in US

University of Michigan researcher Danhao Wang died shortly after talking to federal investigators, it has been reported.

More on this >

A man with white blonde hair wears camouflage military clothing, including a cap and has camouflage paint on his face. Another person dressed the same can be seen behind him.

Germany suspends military approval for stays abroad

A new law which came into force on 1 January had required men aged 17 and older to get approval for lengthy stays over three months.

What it means >

An image taken from space shows the Bahamas. The islands are green and in the blue sea.

Man arrested over woman's Bahamas disappearance

Lynette Hooker from Michigan vanished while out on a small boat with her husband on Saturday.

Everything we know >

Four people in a space capsule float in a row and are smiling. Three men wear navy blue T-shirts and a woman wears a light green one.

Artemis crew returning with Moon discoveries

The astronauts said they have "many more pictures" to share with the world as they prepare for Friday's splashdown.

What they said >

A large, circular building is seen from the air. It is white and grey and much of its roof is on fire.

Fire engulfs roof of Rio's Olympic velodrome

It's not the first time the building has been on fire. No injuries have been reported in the latest blaze.

Watch the video >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Animal rescue: This "shocking" image, taken by one of the rescuers who discovered 250 dogs in the same home, is not AI, the RSPCA has said.

Doug Allan: The acclaimed wildlife cameraman who worked on programmes such as Planet Earth has died while trekking in Nepal.

Queen Elizabeth II: To mark her 100th birthday, 200 of the late Queen's fashion items will go on display. Here are five of her most iconic looks.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Why decorated soldier is at centre of historic war crimes case

A front-on shot of Roberts-Smith looking pensively away from camera while wearing a navy suit and tie. Only his head and shoulders can be seen.

Roberts-Smith claims the allegations are 'egregious' and driven by spiteful and jealous peers. Credit: Sam Mooy/The Sydney Morning Herald via Getty Images

The arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most-decorated living soldier who has been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, is not only unprecedented for the country but an extraordinary moment for the globe. Roberts-Smith - who denies all wrongdoing - has become the face of Australia's reckoning over its alleged conduct in Afghanistan, which has cast a pall over its much-mythologised military legacy, Tiffanie Turnbull reports.