Israel Orders Evacuation of Southern Lebanon Residents as Ground Incursions Intensify

Kathmandu. Israel has ordered residents of southern Lebanon to immediately move to safer locations. The Israeli military stated that it has intensified airstrikes and has also entered further inland via ground routes.

Lebanon was drawn into the ongoing Middle East conflict last Monday after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group attacked Israel. This attack was claimed to be in response to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli operation. Since then, attacks and counter-attacks have continued between both sides.

Hezbollah claimed to have targeted various Israeli military and industrial structures on Tuesday and Wednesday. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes in various parts of Lebanon, confirming at least 11 deaths.

The Israeli military warned civilians residing south of the Litani River to immediately move north. According to the military, there might be a need to conduct military operations against Hezbollah in that area.

According to Lebanese state media, Israeli forces have entered the town of Khiam, about 6 kilometers inside the border. However, the Israeli military has publicly refused to disclose the exact location of its troops.

Meanwhile, an airstrike also hit a hotel in the Hazmiyeh area of the Beirut valley. The attack caused significant damage to parts of the hotel, and the injured were immediately treated. Clear information about the target of the attack has not been made public.

Airstrikes are also continuously occurring in the southern suburbs of Beirut. According to the Ministry of Health, there have been further casualties in attacks across various areas. Rescue workers are engaged in search and rescue operations in the rubble.

The World Health Organization stated that three health workers were killed and six injured while rescuing the wounded in southern Lebanon. The organization urged the warring parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of health facilities and personnel.

According to Lebanese officials, more than 58,000 people have been displaced so far. Israel has made it clear that its military operation will continue until Hezbollah is disarmed.