Beirut: The Israeli army has issued evacuation orders to residents of seven areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, as they prepare for planned strikes targeting Hezbollah military infrastructure. The instructions were made public on Saturday, urging immediate action from those living in the marked neighborhoods.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, used the social media platform X to communicate directly with residents. The neighborhoods specified for evacuation include Haret Hreik, Ghobeiri, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir, and Shiyah. Adraee's message emphasized the urgency and necessity of evacuation for the residents' safety.

The recent escalation stems from Hezbollah's actions beginning on March 2, when they targeted Israeli military sites as a response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. This occurred despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 and was further fueled by the assassination of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. In retaliation, Israel expanded its military campaign with airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and other regions of Lebanon.

Further tension arose when, on March 3, Israel initiated a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon. This followed a collaborative campaign with the United States against Iran that commenced on February 28, marking a significant intensification in regional hostilities.