BEIRUT: Israel issued sweeping evacuation orders for large parts of southern Lebanon on Wednesday, declaring the areas “combat zones” ahead of intensified military operations against Hezbollah.
The Israeli military instructed residents living south of the Zahrani River to move north immediately, marking the largest evacuation order since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on April 17.
The evacuation zone covers nearly 14 percent of Lebanese territory and includes around 300 towns and villages, raising fears of another major humanitarian crisis and mass displacement across southern Lebanon.
The move came hours after Israeli air strikes targeted the southern Lebanese city of Tyre and surrounding areas. Lebanese media reported multiple strikes across southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley, with at least four people killed in Choukine and Nabatieh.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 31 people were killed on Tuesday alone after more than 150 Israeli air strikes hit around 50 towns and villages across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was “deepening” its ground operations in Lebanon.
Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with Israeli troops “at point-blank range” in areas north of the Litani River, outside Israel’s declared buffer zone.
Lebanese authorities accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement.
The escalation has increased concerns over a broader regional conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah and Israel.
Since fighting escalated in March, more than 3,200 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities.
