Israel strikes Beirut and orders south Lebanon evacuation as conflict mounts

Israel strikes Beirut and orders south Lebanon evacuation as conflict mounts

On Thursday, Israel escalated its military actions in Lebanon by launching airstrikes in central Beirut and issuing a broad evacuation directive for southern regions. The order, which directed residents up to 25 miles from the border to move north, came as the country’s military targeted Hezbollah positions. A spokesperson confirmed the directive, stating the move was made “to ensure safety,” ahead of the bombing campaign. The affected areas included major cities like Nabatieh and numerous villages.

Amid the chaos, the IDF announced the evacuation of a central Beirut neighborhood near a cluster of restaurants, warning residents to vacate before strikes. The latest evacuation notice followed prior instructions targeting areas south of the Litani River and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Over the past 10 days, nearly a million people have been displaced within Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict.

“Where can I go?” asked Hamza Zbeeb, a 48-year-old municipal worker from Nimiriya, one of the villages under the evacuation order. “Many had relocated to Beirut only to return due to lack of available accommodations. I don’t want to be on the streets.”

Hours after the warnings, Israel targeted two structures in central Beirut, reducing them to rubble. One of the buildings in the Zouq Blat district was adjacent to a shelter for displaced families, sending shockwaves through the main square. The second strike occurred near the prime minister’s office, UN facilities, and foreign embassies. The blasts left streets shrouded in smoke and sparked fears of further damage.

The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched its strongest attacks yet on Wednesday night. The group deployed waves of rockets and drones, injuring two individuals. Most projectiles were intercepted or landed in open spaces, but the strikes continued into Thursday, with warning sirens echoing in Safed and surrounding towns. Israel retaliated by bombarding Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, disrupting the capital with frequent air assaults.

This marked the fiercest exchange in the 10-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The group’s latest operation, named “Operation Chewed Wheat” – a Quranic reference to crushing enemies – signaled a strategic shift after enduring nearly two years of relentless Israeli air strikes. Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed the coordinated effort in a statement, revealing that Iran had joined Hezbollah’s assault with missile fire, targeting Israeli military bases in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Beersheba.

“It was a very difficult night; what can I say? Bombing all night,” said Ali Hariri, a lawyer and first responder from Nabatieh. As he stood amidst the debris, the destruction in the area was stark.

In the border town of Metula, residents described the previous night as “crazy.” Daniel Dorfman, 43, shared his experience: “I don’t get anxious usually, but all the walls were shaking. It’s a little bit frightening. Here we get zero warning of any attack. You hear the explosions of the interception before you hear the sirens.” The situation in Beirut’s southern suburbs remained tense, with displaced families enduring harsh conditions along the seaside walkway.