Israel Escalates Military Invasion in Lebanon, Issues Evacuation Orders for 23 Villages. Israel has intensified its military actions in Lebanon, issuing new evacuation orders for residents in 23 southern Lebanese villages amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the orders, urging residents to move north of the Awali River due to what they describe as increased Hezbollah activities, including accusations that the group is using civilian areas to store weapons and launch attacks—a claim Hezbollah has denied.
The situation has led to heightened concerns for the safety of UN personnel, prompting urgent calls for their evacuation. The conflict has sharply escalated in recent weeks, with Israeli ground operations targeting multiple locations, including southern Lebanon, Beirut’s southern suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley. According to the Lebanese government, the violence has resulted in over 2,100 deaths and displaced more than 1.2 million people.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that 15 individuals were killed and 37 wounded in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday alone, including an attack on the town of Deir Billa, which had not previously been struck. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired nearly 320 rockets into northern Israel on Saturday, prompting the IDF to declare certain northern towns off-limits.
The IDF claims that its recent operations have resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 Hezbollah fighters and the destruction of numerous weapons storage sites. However, the conflict has also led to casualties among UN peacekeepers. Two members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were wounded by Israeli strikes near their watchtower in Naqoura, and a third peacekeeper was injured by gunfire in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of wounded UN personnel to three.
International condemnation has followed, with France, Italy, and Spain labeling the attacks on UNIFIL bases as “unjustifiable.” US President Joe Biden also urged Israel to ensure the safety of peacekeepers, highlighting the growing dangers for UN personnel caught in the crossfire.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted civilian infrastructure, with five hospitals in Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley reported damaged by Israeli airstrikes. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has suspended activities in certain Beirut areas due to the heavy bombardment.
Despite calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolutions, Israel has rejected proposals aimed at de-escalation in both Lebanon and Gaza. The situation remains tense, with fierce battles continuing as both Israel and Hezbollah engage in hostilities, and international leaders advocating for urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
