Israeli air strikes intensified across southern Lebanon on Wednesday as thousands of residents fled the coastal city of Tyre following one of the largest evacuation orders issued since the conflict began.
The Israeli military said it was “compelled to act forcefully” against Hezbollah, accusing the Iran-backed group of violating a US-brokered ceasefire that started five weeks ago. Hezbollah has also accused Israel of repeatedly breaching the same agreement.
Heavy smoke covered the skyline of Tyre throughout the day as powerful explosions struck several areas across the city and nearby towns. Residents watched from balconies and streets as air strikes hit buildings and neighborhoods across the region.
Israeli forces ordered residents of Tyre, nearby villages, and Palestinian refugee camps to move north of the Zahrani River, around 40 kilometers from the Israeli border. Many families, including people already displaced by earlier fighting, struggled to find safe places to go.
A local resident identified as Rida said fear had spread across the city as people rushed to gather belongings and escape. He said many residents believed Tyre could face complete destruction if the attacks continued.
Earlier in the day, evacuation orders were also issued again for Nabatieh and surrounding towns following another wave of strikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Lebanese officials said dozens of people were killed during the attacks, including civilians in Burj al-Shamali near Tyre.
Israel said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and fighters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that military operations would be expanded further after Hezbollah carried out drone attacks targeting Israeli troops and northern Israeli communities.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces were deepening ground operations and strengthening what he described as a security zone in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah later claimed its fighters clashed directly with Israeli troops near Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh, north of the Litani River.
The growing violence has raised fears that diplomatic efforts to end the war could collapse. Negotiations involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and regional mediators were reportedly taking place in Doha while the fighting intensified.
The conflict began after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a deadly Israeli strike linked to Iran. Since then, thousands of people have reportedly been killed on both sides, with widespread destruction across parts of Lebanon.
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