Israel orders evacuations in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict

Israel has issued new forced evacuation notices for areas in southern Lebanon, ordering residents of seven towns beyond its so-called "buffer zone" to leave. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that Hezbollah was violating the ceasefire and that Israel would act against it, advising residents to head north and west. The towns affected lie north of the Litani River, where Israeli troops have continued military operations despite the ceasefire.

Hezbollah has rejected allegations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it is undermining the ceasefire, asserting that its attacks are a legitimate response to what it claims are over 500 violations of the ceasefire by Israel. Hezbollah stated that it should not be linked to a ceasefire it did not approve, emphasizing that it will not rely on ineffective diplomacy. Netanyahu remarked that Hezbollah’s actions are dismantling the ceasefire, which has been in effect since April 16 and extended to mid-May.

Despite the ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire, with reports of multiple airstrikes across southern Lebanon. Al Jazeera’s correspondent noted that many people are fleeing to the towns of Sidon and Tyre, joining hundreds of thousands already displaced. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli troops and reported casualties among Israeli forces, while the Israeli military confirmed the death of a soldier during combat in southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's actions are driven by the need to ensure the security of its citizens and soldiers. Under the terms of the truce, Israel retains the right to respond to imminent attacks, which has led to daily strikes on what it identifies as Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Since the conflict resumed on March 2, Lebanon's Health Ministry reports at least 2,509 fatalities and 7,755 injuries due to Israeli attacks.