Beirut: The Israeli army on Wednesday issued an urgent evacuation order for residents of 12 villages in southern Lebanon, instructing them to vacate their homes and move at least 1,000 meters away into open areas. This directive comes in anticipation of planned military operations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army's spokesperson for Arabic-language communications, identified the affected villages as Kawthariyet al-Siyad, al-Ghassaniyeh, Mazraat al-Daoudiyeh, Bdeias, Rihan, Zellaya, al-Bazouriyeh, Harouf, Habboush, Ansariyeh, Qallawiyah, and Deir al-Zahrani. The spokesperson emphasized the immediacy of the situation, urging residents to comply with the evacuation order to ensure their safety.

The urgency of the evacuation order reflects ongoing military tensions despite a ceasefire that was announced on April 17 and extended to May 17. The Israeli army has been conducting daily strikes and demolition operations in Lebanon, reminiscent of its prolonged military campaigns in Gaza. Since March 2, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement within Lebanon, with 2,702 reported deaths, 8,311 injuries, and over 1.6 million people displaced, marking a severe humanitarian impact.

Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon includes regions occupied for several decades and areas seized during the 2023-2024 war. The current conflict has seen Israeli forces advance approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanon's southern border, exacerbating the situation and leading to increased international concern.