Escalating Tensions Force Evacuations in Beirut

The southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, witnessed a significant migration of residents on Monday. This followed an announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about expanding military actions against Hezbollah.

Israeli forces are set to target the southern outskirts of Beirut, known as Dahiya. This area is a stronghold for Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia. The potential attack has raised concerns about the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been in place since early April.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s directive to target Dahiya is part of an extended campaign against Hezbollah. While Israel avoided attacking Beirut since the cease-fire began, it continued assaults on southern and eastern Lebanon. Hezbollah has responded by firing at Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and northern Israel.

News of the impending attack led to an exodus from the area. Thousands of residents left their homes, causing heavy traffic late Monday morning. This evacuation process has become a regular ordeal for many due to ongoing conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel, lasting almost three years.

Zahra Khomasi, a 43-year-old resident, shared her experience of repeated evacuations. She and her family were forced to leave during past escalations in 2024 and the current conflict that began in March. Despite returning home in April when the cease-fire started, they were once again compelled to evacuate.

We’ve somehow become used to this. Ms. Khomasi said, emphasizing the ongoing struggle.

Many residents of Dahiya have faced similar challenges. The area has seen multiple evacuations since 2023, when Hezbollah engaged with Israeli positions in support of Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. A cease-fire was announced in Lebanon in November 2024, but unrest persisted throughout the region.