Israel Orders Evacuations in Lebanon as Fresh Strikes Intensify

Beirut: Tensions are rising again along the Israel-Lebanon border as Israel’s military has ordered residents in several southern Lebanese communities to leave their homes, even in areas outside its current zone of control. The directive, delivered in Arabic by military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, urged civilians to move at least one kilometre away from their villages for safety.

The evacuation notices affect more than ten locations, including some north of the Litani River—regions not typically included in Israel’s operational footprint. Shortly after the warning, reports emerged of fresh airstrikes hitting multiple towns, some of which were not listed in the initial order.

These developments come despite a ceasefire brokered by the US in mid-April, intended to pause hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. However, the agreement appears increasingly fragile. Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir recently signaled that operations could extend beyond established boundaries if threats persist.

On the Lebanese side, President Joseph Aoun has insisted that Israel must fully respect the ceasefire before any peace negotiations can move forward.

Meanwhile, violence continues to take a toll. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health informed that at least 10 people were killed in Israeli attacks across the country on Saturday. According to them, the total death toll since the Israel-Hezbollah war escalated on March 2 is 2,659, with 8,183 injured.