Israel orders civilians in 10 more towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of airstrikes

By Khaled Yousef

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli army ordered civilians in 10 more towns in southern Lebanon on Thursday to evacuate their areas ahead of airstrikes.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X that residents of the targeted towns must leave immediately and head north of the Awali River.

The list of targeted towns includes Haouch, Bazouriye, Rashidieh Camp, Borgholiyeh, Bestiyyat, Houmayri, Arzai, Matariyat Al-Shoumar, Kharayeb, and Ansar.

Adraee claimed that Hezbollah activities in these areas necessitated a “strong action” from Israeli forces.

Despite substantial civilian casualties from recent Israeli attacks, Adraee insisted that immediate evacuation was essential to protect residents.

Since the onset of Israel’s ground operations in southern Lebanon a month ago, similar evacuation orders have affected dozens of southern towns, leading to extensive displacement across the region.

Israel launched a massive air campaign last month in Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation in a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the group since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on Gaza.

More than 2,800 people have been killed and nearly 12,900 injured in Israeli attacks since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio