Southern Lebanon witnesses widespread displacement due to Israeli strikes after Netanyahu's escalation order

Southern Lebanon witnessed widespread displacement on Sunday following extensive Israeli airstrikes, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a military escalation against the country.

Lebanon’s state news agency NNA reported that Israeli strikes targeted the towns of Zawtar, Maidafoun, and Yohmor al-Shaqif, while artillery shelling hit areas between Deir Seryan and Yohmor.

Israeli warplanes also carried out raids on the outskirts of Shaaitiyeh, while another strike hit a house in the town of Qalileh in the Tyre district.

The news agency added that Israeli forces carried out a large-scale demolition drive in the town of Khiam, alongside powerful explosions reported in the town of Taybeh.

Israeli fighter jets were also seen flying over the capital, Beirut, according to the report.

Amid the escalation, significant displacement was recorded from villages south of the Litani River toward the city of Sidon, coinciding with Israeli evacuation warnings, the NNA said.

The developments came a day after Netanyahu instructed the Israeli military to escalate offensives in Lebanon, attacking Hezbollah targets, according to a statement from his office.

Despite widespread destruction, displaced residents in southern Lebanon began returning to their homes following a ceasefire on April 16, raising concerns about renewed displacement due to ongoing violations.

Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in the south since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on Feb. 28.

Since March 2, expanded Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed more than 2,500 people and displaced over 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities.

A 10-day truce was first announced on April 16 but was repeatedly breached by Israel.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks following a second round of high-level negotiations at the White House.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.