Image source, AFP
The Israeli military has issued orders to evacuate a geographic zone in southern Lebanon.
Before launching a new attack against Hezbollah, the area has been declared a “combat zone.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have instructed residents to move approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the border near the Zarani River.
The IDF warned of “severe measures” citing repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah.
Nine Warnings Issued in the Past 24 Hours
Image source, AFP
This is the largest evacuation order since the April 17, 2024 ceasefire took effect, covering about 14% of Lebanon’s territory.
Israel previously launched an attack on the southern city of Tyre on Wednesday.
Hezbollah has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and reported clashes between its fighters and Israeli forces.
Following a drone attack by Hezbollah on northern Israeli residents, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expansion of military operations in parts of southern Lebanon controlled by his forces.
Israel continued its attacks on Wednesday.
The IDF has issued evacuation warnings nine times in the last 24 hours.
The escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border raise fears of a large-scale displacement wave.
Intense airstrikes have hit Tyre, the largest city in southern Lebanon, following the evacuation order.
‘People Are Terrified’
Following the attacks in Tyre, residents watched anxiously from their balconies, capturing the scenes on their phones.
In an airstrike minutes before last month’s ceasefire, a cafe near the seafront close to 52-year-old Reedo’s home was destroyed.
Previously, he had said he would never leave Tyre.
However, his feelings have now changed.
“I went to the seaside port where many people had gathered,” Reedo told a reporter on Wednesday by phone. “People were packing their belongings. Everyone is scared.”
Approximately 300 villages and towns fall within the evacuation zone south of the Zarani River, according to orders issued after conversations with him.
Image source, Reuters
For many already displaced from other parts of southern Lebanon, no safe destination remains.
Lebanese media have reported Israeli attacks in the southern and eastern Bekaa Valley, resulting in four deaths.
Prior to bombings in the last 24 hours, the period had already been devastating, with over 150 Israeli airstrikes damaging around 50 towns and villages in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, at least 31 people died on Tuesday, including 15 in the eastern part of Tyre city, in the Burj al-Shamali area.
