Israel Orders Evacuation in South Lebanon; UN Peacekeepers Express ‘Serious Concern’
BEIRUT: Israel has ordered residents across large parts of southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately as tensions with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group escalate, prompting widespread displacement and raising alarm among international peacekeepers. Nearly 84,000 people have fled their homes in just four days, according to Lebanese officials, as fears grow that the conflict could expand into a broader regional war.
Mass Evacuation Order
The Israeli military issued a warning for civilians living south of the Litani River to leave their homes and move north for safety. The directive was shared alongside a map marking the affected area in southern Lebanon, a region where Hezbollah has a strong presence.
Israeli officials said the order was necessary because Hezbollah’s activities in the area were forcing the military to carry out operations. Civilians were urged to move at least 1,000 meters away from their villages and avoid areas near Hezbollah positions or weapons facilities.
The evacuation warning reportedly affected dozens of towns and villages, triggering a mass exodus along roads leading north toward safer areas such as Sidon and Beirut.
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UN Peacekeepers Voice Concern
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said it was “seriously concerned” about the evacuation demand issued by Israel because it involves civilians living within the peacekeeping mission’s area of operations.
UNIFIL warned that such large-scale displacement could further destabilise the region and complicate humanitarian efforts. The mission also stressed that civilians must be protected under international law and called on all sides to exercise restraint.
Rising Humanitarian Crisis
Lebanon is facing a rapidly growing humanitarian challenge as tens of thousands of people flee the conflict zone. Shelters in major cities are reportedly nearing capacity as families seek safety from the escalating airstrikes and military operations.
Lebanese authorities say many of those displaced left their homes with little warning and limited belongings, creating urgent needs for housing, food, and medical assistance.
Escalation Between Israel and Hezbollah
The latest escalation follows rocket and drone attacks launched by Hezbollah into northern Israel, which triggered a wave of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut.
The confrontation is part of a broader conflict that intensified after the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent regional tensions involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran. Although a ceasefire in late 2024 temporarily reduced hostilities, cross-border clashes and strikes have continued.
Analysts warn that the current developments could signal a wider ground offensive or a prolonged conflict if diplomatic efforts fail to de-escalate the situation.
Outlook
With thousands displaced and fighting intensifying, the situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile. International organisations are urging restraint while humanitarian agencies prepare for a possible surge in displaced civilians if the conflict continues to expand.
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