Families flee Lebanese town amid border tensions with Israel

-Tensions flare along border amid exchange of fire between Hezbollah, Israeli forces

By Wassim Saifuldin

KAFR SHUBA, Lebanon (AA) - Constant fighting along the Lebanese-Israeli border has forced thousands in the town of Kafr Shuba in southern Lebanon to flee and seek refuge elsewhere, according to an official.

“Around 70% of residents have fled their homes in the town,” Mayor Qassem al-Qadiri told Anadolu.

Tensions flared along the border since conflict erupted Oct. 7 in the Gaza Strip amid an exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

Qadiri estimated the town’s population at 3,000 residents.

“A large number of the town’s residents have sought refuge in safe areas amid the current clashes,” he said.

Border clashes have been the deadliest since Hezbollah and Israel fought a full-scale war in 2006, when the Lebanese group struck major Israeli cities with rockets, causing significant damage.

More than 1,000 Lebanese were killed in the war, while much of southern Lebanon -- a Hezbollah stronghold-- was devastated by Israeli attacks.

The Israeli army ordered the evacuation Friday of Kiryat Shmona, near the border with Lebanon. The town has a population of 22,000, though many have already left.

Kafr Shuba is the northern, higher area of Shebaa Farms, which is claimed by Lebanon.

Strategically located on the Syrian and Israeli borders in southeastern Lebanon, Shebaa Farms includes 13 farms. Twelve are spread out over an area of 25 square kilometers (19 square miles) that are under Israeli occupation, with one within Lebanon's borders.

The border tension comes as Israel continued a relentless bombardment campaign on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Israeli border towns on Oct. 7, putting the territory’s 2.3 million residents under a total siege and a blockade of food, fuel and medical supplies.

At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on the Palestinian enclave, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.