Israel's military has issued an order for residents of over 30 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes and move north amidst ongoing clashes with Hezbollah fighters in a cross-border ground incursion. This directive comes as part of efforts to ensure the safety of civilians in the conflict zone.
Some of the villages mentioned in the recent evacuation order had previously received warnings from Israeli authorities to relocate to the northern areas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, emphasized the importance of immediate evacuation for the residents' safety, urging them to move north of the Al-Awali River to protect their lives.
The IDF spokesperson also cautioned that individuals in close proximity to Hezbollah members, facilities, or military equipment are at risk and that houses utilized by Hezbollah for military purposes could be targeted. Residents will be informed by the military when it is deemed safe for them to return to their homes.
As a result of the conflict, approximately 1 million people in Lebanon have been displaced and are seeking refuge from the violence. The emergency shelters accommodating the displaced individuals are facing significant challenges, with nearly half of the occupants being children. Michael Adams, the Lebanon country director at CARE International, highlighted that these facilities are operating beyond their intended capacity, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
