Beirut: The Israeli army has issued an urgent directive for residents living in areas of southern Lebanon, specifically those located south of the Litani River, to evacuate immediately and move to safer regions north of the river. This warning comes amidst rising tensions and anticipated attacks in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army justified the evacuation order by citing Hezbollah's activities in the area, which they claim necessitate military action. The situation in Lebanon has been deteriorating, with the death toll from Israeli attacks since Monday having climbed to 294, while 1,023 individuals have been injured, as reported by Lebanon's Health Ministry.
The current developments are part of Israel's intensified military operations in Lebanon, which have been ongoing since Monday. This escalation follows limited rocket attacks by Hezbollah and is a manifestation of broader regional tensions connected to the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
In a conflict that began in October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale war by September 2024, Israel's offensive has resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries in Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached with Hezbollah in November 2024, Israel has been accused of near-daily violations, leading to additional casualties in the region.