Israel Bombs Beirut and Orders Evacuation in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Tension
Following a surge in hostilities, Israel launched airstrikes targeting central Beirut and issued an evacuation directive for southern Lebanon, prompting widespread displacement. The military spokesperson declared that all civilians within 25 miles of the border should relocate northward to ensure their safety, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intensified operations against Hezbollah positions.
Residents Forced to Relocate
Evacuation orders now apply to major cities like Nabatieh and numerous villages. The IDF also mandated the movement of people from a central Beirut neighborhood near a cluster of restaurants, citing plans to strike a structure there. Hamza Zbeeb, a 48-year-old from Nimiriya, expressed uncertainty: “Where can I go?” he questioned, noting that many had already fled to Beirut only to return due to lack of shelter.
“Many people have gone to Beirut and returned because there’s nowhere to stay. I don’t want to be on the streets.”
Hours later, two buildings in central Beirut were destroyed, with the first located beside a shelter for displaced individuals. The second targeted area was near government offices, international embassies, and UN facilities. The attack sent shockwaves through the capital, with windows rattling and the skyline briefly lit in red.
Hezbollah’s Escalation and Cross-Border Coordination
Hezbollah’s recent offensive, dubbed “Operation Chewed Wheat,” marked a significant escalation in the conflict. The group, believed to have been weakened by two years of Israeli airstrikes, launched over 200 rockets at Israeli territory, including military installations in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Beersheba. The operation coincided with a coordinated missile strike by Iran, as confirmed by the Revolutionary Guards.
In a statement released by Fars and Tasnim news agencies, Iran’s military described the attack as a “joint and integrated operation,” combining Iranian missiles with Hezbollah’s drone and rocket fire. The barrage continued into Thursday, with warning sirens echoing in Safed and surrounding towns.
Violence and Casualties in Southern Beirut
Israel’s response to Hezbollah’s attacks included a late-night strike in Ramlet al-Baida, central Beirut, where displaced families had taken refuge. The assault left at least two men dead on the seaside promenade, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, which reported 12 fatalities and 28 injuries. Ali Hariri, a lawyer and aid worker in Nabatieh, described the night as “very difficult,” recounting the relentless bombing that shook the city.
“It was a very difficult night; what can I say? Bombing all night,” said Ali Hariri, amid the rubble.
Residents in border towns like Metula experienced the full force of the conflict. Daniel Dorfman, a 43-year-old in Metula, recounted: “Last night was a bit crazy. 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.”
