In a dramatic escalation of the conflict, Israel on Wednesday issued urgent evacuation orders for residents of over two dozen villages in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces, in a statement on X, warned, “For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately. Anyone who is near Hezbollah operatives, their facilities or their weapons, puts themselves at risk.” The IDF further stated that any house used by Hezbollah for military purposes is a legitimate target and residents should leave immediately. They also advised citizens to move north of Lebanon, as “any movement south could endanger your life.”
The evacuation orders follow a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs. A Lebanese security source confirmed that at least five strikes hit the area early Wednesday, stating that the Israeli military “currently striking Hezbollah terror targets in Beirut.” Since last week, Israel has repeatedly bombarded the densely-populated Hezbollah stronghold, claiming to be targeting sites belonging to the group.
The relentless barrage of attacks has forced thousands of Lebanese to flee their homes and seek shelter in overcrowded evacuation centers. One resident, speaking to the BBC, described the desperate situation: “We were forced to leave our villages and homes and come to Beirut, but there are no available houses or schools, all are overcrowded. We can’t afford medicine should we fall ill. Many suffer on the streets.” Another resident echoed the sentiment, saying, “We left everything behind and arrived here with no clothes or resources.”
The humanitarian crisis has only deepened, with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati stating that over a million people have been displaced across the country since the beginning of Israel’s air strikes last month. Calling the current situation “one of the most dangerous phases” in Lebanon’s history, Makati appealed for increased international aid to assist displaced people and address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
