Daijiworld Media Network – Beirut

Beirut, May 28: The Israeli military on Wednesday issued fresh evacuation warnings to residents across southern Lebanon as it expanded military operations against Hezbollah, escalating tensions despite an existing ceasefire.

The warning, issued during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, instructed civilians in several southern areas to leave immediately, with Israel stating that its forces would act with “extreme force” against Hezbollah positions.

The latest escalation comes a day after clashes erupted between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters near the strategic Litani River in southern Lebanon.

Israeli forces have reportedly crossed the Litani River and advanced closer towards the city of Nabatiyeh, while heavy fighting has also been reported in Zawtar al-Sharqieh along the river.

This marks the first major evacuation order issued by Israel since the ceasefire came into effect on April 17.

The Israeli military also urged residents of Nabatiyeh and the coastal city of Tyre to evacuate, alleging the presence of Hezbollah fighters and military infrastructure in the areas.

Following the warning, roads leading north from Tyre witnessed massive traffic congestion as residents fled the region seeking safer shelter.

Lebanon’s Civil Defense officials said many displaced people had moved into public schools and temporary tent shelters across different parts of the country.

“At least four Israeli strikes hit near Tyre after the warning was issued,” a civil defense official said, adding that emergency workers were struggling to evacuate civilians due to heavy traffic and ongoing attacks.

The Israeli military claimed it had targeted Hezbollah “command centres” in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it had launched several attacks targeting Israeli troops and border settlements in northern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced plans to intensify military operations against Hezbollah amid a reported increase in drone attacks launched by the Iran-backed group.

According to the Israeli military, more than 550 targets linked to Hezbollah have been struck since the beginning of the week.

The conflict began on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets towards northern Israel in support of Iran.

Since then, over one million people have reportedly been displaced in Lebanon, while more than 3,200 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

Israel has also intensified attacks in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and areas near the Syrian border in recent days.