Israel issues evacuation orders for residents in southern Beirut ahead of attacks

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army issued evacuation orders on Wednesday for residents in the southern suburb of Beirut ahead of imminent airstrikes in the Lebanese capital.

Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the Israeli army “will act shortly” against alleged Hezbollah facilities and interests in southern Beirut.

He ordered residents in three locations in Borj al-Barajneh neighborhood to move away by 500 meters (1640 feet), attaching a map of the three locations on his X account.

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

More than 3,000 people have been killed and over 13,500 injured in Israeli attacks since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1 this year.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala