ISTANBUL

The Israeli army on Saturday warned residents of areas in southern Lebanon located south of the Litani River to evacuate immediately and move north of the river.

In a statement, the army said: “Urgent warning to residents of southern Lebanon located south of the Litani River: you must evacuate your homes immediately.”

The Israeli army claimed that Hezbollah’s activities in the area were forcing it to carry out attacks.

The death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon since Monday has risen to 294, with 1,023 people injured, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Saturday.

The developments come amid Israel’s expanding military campaign in Lebanon since Monday, following limited rocket fire by Hezbollah amid broader regional tensions linked to the war waged by Israel and the US against Iran.

Israel had killed more than 4,000 people and wounded around 17,000 during an offensive in Lebanon that began in October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024.

Despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah since November 2024, Israel has continued near-daily violations that have left hundreds dead and wounded.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul