Israeli Military Orders Evacuation in Beirut's Southern Suburbs
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation order for hundreds of thousands of residents in Beirut's southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold, amid intensified strikes targeting the Iran-backed group across Lebanon.
The military's Arabic spokesperson posted on X, urging civilians to "Save your lives, evacuate your homes immediately," signaling preparations for heavy bombardment.
Massive traffic congestion developed on major roads leading north and south as residents hurried to comply with the unprecedented comprehensive evacuation directive covering the area.
The military instructed all inhabitants of a vast region in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border to evacuate on Wednesday, in anticipation of a potential ground invasion.
Among those caught in the traffic on Thursday afternoon was Mohammed al-Khaouzam, fleeing Beirut's southern suburbs.
"We're coming from Bir Hassan. They [the Israeli military] issued a warning so that's why we're leaving," he told the BBC.
Khaouzam, originally from Syria, was traveling north with his wife and children. He referred to Lebanon as his "second country."
"May God help everyone. May God help all of the Lebanese," he said from his car window.
A woman driving north reported that her children in Beirut had informed her about the evacuation warning for the suburbs of Chiyah, Burj al-Barajneh, Haret Hreik, and Hadath.
"I am going to stay with them, hoping it will be safe," she said.
"Is there any place to go? What should I do?" she asked.
Food kitchens and shelters in Beirut have warned they are unable to accommodate the large number of displaced individuals.
Casualties and Military Strikes
Lebanese authorities report at least 102 fatalities from Israeli strikes over the past four days, while Israeli officials have not confirmed any casualties.
Since Monday, Israeli aircraft have conducted multiple strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut's southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley. These actions followed Hezbollah's launch of rockets and drones across the border, retaliating for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
This escalation has drawn Lebanon into the ongoing conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran, occurring just 15 months after a ceasefire ended over a year of intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that severely impacted Lebanon.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem vowed to confront Israel with maximum sacrifice.
"We will not surrender," he stated.
This declaration came a day after Israeli military chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir affirmed the military's resolve to eliminate Hezbollah's threat and disarm the group.
The Israeli military announced on Thursday that overnight strikes targeted several Hezbollah command centers in Beirut, which were allegedly used to plan attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.
The Lebanese health ministry confirmed that at least three people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on vehicles along the main road to Beirut's airport.
A residential building on Beirut's outskirts was struck late Wednesday; locals believed it was unoccupied at the time.
Several residents told the BBC on Thursday morning that they had vacated the building earlier in the week due to safety concerns, noting the area had been targeted previously. They declined to speculate on the intended target.
"We moved away on Monday because of fears that something would happen. Today, we were supposed to come for a shower and to pick up our stuff and we found this," one woman said, observing the wreckage with her husband.
"Thank god it was just our things and not us."
The Israeli military has not commented on this particular strike but stated it killed "several Hezbollah terrorists" operating in southern Lebanon overnight.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported that the mukhtar (mayor) of the southern town of Kfour and his wife were killed in an airstrike on their home.
Additionally, Hamas official Wasim Attallah al-Ali and his wife were killed in the Baddawi Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli.
The Israeli military said it targeted Ali because he was a commander of Hamas's military wing and responsible for training fighters in Lebanon.
Destruction in Sidon and Civilian Impact
The BBC visited Sidon, a southern Lebanese city, where an apartment building was destroyed in an Israeli strike.
The Israeli military had issued an evacuation order beforehand, describing the building as "Hezbollah military infrastructure." Residents nearby reported that everyone had evacuated following the warning and no casualties occurred.
Ahmed, a cafe owner next to the destroyed building, called down from his balcony:
"There was nothing here. Only people."
A woman walking past urged:
"Show the Israelis there's nothing. Show them we're civilians."
A man nearby commented:
"There are displaced people who came so maybe that's why?"
International and Domestic Reactions
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to hostilities, describing the situation as a "moment of great danger" for Lebanon.
"Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into war. The Lebanese have a right to peace and security - like everyone in the Middle East," he said on X.
Macron added that he had communicated with Lebanon's highest authorities to develop a plan to end military operations by Hezbollah and Israel along the border.
"Hezbollah must immediately cease its fire toward Israel. Israel must refrain from any ground intervention or large-scale operation on Lebanese territory," he stated.
He also announced that France would dispatch humanitarian aid immediately to tens of thousands of displaced civilians.
On Monday, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Hezbollah's actions as "irresponsible" and declared his government had banned the group's military activities.
Hezbollah leader Qassem countered, asserting the group has a "legitimate right" to bear arms and accused the government of opposing the resistance and aligning with Israeli demands.
Under the 2024 ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and France, Hezbollah was to relocate fighters north of the Litani River, approximately 30 km from the border, and dismantle military infrastructure there. Israeli troops were to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Despite the truce, the Israeli military has continued near-daily strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets, accusing the group of attempting to rebuild its military capabilities. Israeli forces also maintain occupation of at least five positions in southern Lebanon.
