Key facts
- Israel issued expulsion orders for 20 locations in southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh, Rihan, and Sujud.
- Residents were instructed to move north of the Zahrani River, approximately 45 kilometers from the Israeli border.
- The Israeli army declared areas south of the Zahrani River as combat zones.
- Israel conducted air strikes on central Beirut, including two buildings.
- Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes.
- The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 70 deaths from Israeli strikes on Thursday.
Israel has escalated its conflict with Hezbollah by issuing sweeping evacuation orders for southern Lebanon and striking central Beirut. The Israeli army ordered residents in approximately 20 locations, including the city of Nabatieh and nearby villages, to leave their homes immediately and move north of the Zahrani River, about 45 kilometers from the border.
The state-run National News Agency confirmed that Israeli air strikes hit several areas covered by the order. The Israeli military had previously declared all areas south of the Zahrani River as combat zones.
In a significant escalation, Israel also struck the center of Beirut, leveling two buildings after warning residents to move away. The latest orders cover a large area of southern Lebanon, with residents instructed to head north of the Litani River, a region spanning hundreds of square kilometers. The Israeli military spokesperson stated the orders were for residents' safety.
These actions follow Hezbollah's launch of rockets and drone swarms on Israel. Israel responded with bombardment of Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 70 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Thursday, with additional casualties reported from overnight attacks. The conflict has led to significant internal displacement in Lebanon.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed a joint operation with Hezbollah, involving missile and drone fire. Hezbollah reportedly launched over 200 rockets towards Israeli territory. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks as a violation of international laws.