Hundreds of thousands of residents fled parts of Beirut after Israel issued evacuation warnings ahead of planned strikes targeting Hezbollah positions.
The warning prompted a mass exodus from southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, where many residents packed belongings and left their homes overnight amid fears of imminent airstrikes. Local authorities and aid groups said roads leading out of affected districts quickly became congested as families sought safer areas. Some residents moved to other parts of Beirut, while others travelled to nearby towns.
Israel said the warnings were intended to reduce civilian casualties before strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. The military has repeatedly accused the group of operating within densely populated urban areas. The evacuation reflects growing fears that the conflict could expand further into Lebanon, raising concerns about a broader regional war and a worsening humanitarian situation.
