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Updated 6 March 2026 - Israeli forces have intensified strikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut's southern suburbs after issuing evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents.
Evacuation orders trigger exodus from Beirut
Israeli military directives have forced residents of Beirut's southern suburbs to flee, creating massive traffic jams on roads leading north and south. The unprecedented order covered entire districts, prompting panic among civilians.
Mohammed al-Khaouzam, a Syrian refugee living in Bir Hassan, described the scene as he left with his family. "They [the Israeli military] issued a warning, so that's why we're leaving," he told the BBC from his car. "May God help everyone. May God help all of the Lebanese."
A woman driving north said her children in Beirut had called her about the evacuation order for areas including Chiyah, Burj al-Barajneh, Haret Hreik, and Hadath. "Is there any place to go? What should I do?" she asked, expressing uncertainty about where to seek safety.
Strikes target Hezbollah strongholds
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a wave of airstrikes on Hezbollah's "terrorist infrastructure" in Beirut's southern suburbs, a known stronghold of the Iran-backed group. The military stated the operations aimed to neutralize threats to Israeli troops and civilians.
"The Defense Army has launched a wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure in Beirut's southern suburbs."
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson
Lebanese authorities reported that over 120 people have been killed and nearly 700 wounded in Israeli airstrikes since Monday. At least 90,000 people have been displaced, with shelters and food kitchens in Beirut warning they cannot accommodate the influx.
Escalation follows border clashes
The latest strikes follow Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The exchange has drawn Lebanon deeper into the broader conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran, just 15 months after a ceasefire ended a prolonged war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem vowed to confront Israel "to the point of the utmost sacrifice," declaring, "We will not surrender." In response, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated the IDF was "determined to eliminate the threat Hezbollah poses" and would not stop until the group was disarmed.
Civilian impact and diplomatic calls for de-escalation
In Beirut, a residential building on the city's outskirts was struck late Wednesday, though locals reported no casualties as residents had evacuated earlier in the week. "We moved away on Monday because of fears that something would happen," one woman said as she surveyed the damage. "Thank god it was just our things and not us."
The Lebanese health ministry reported three deaths from airstrikes on vehicles near Beirut's airport. Separately, the mukhtar (mayor) of the southern town of Kfour and his wife were killed in an airstrike on their home, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. A Hamas commander, Wasim Attallah al-Ali, and his wife were also killed in the Baddawi refugee camp near Tripoli.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate end to hostilities, describing the situation as a "moment of great danger" for Lebanon. "Everything must be done to prevent this country from once again being drawn into war," he said in a post on X, announcing plans to dispatch humanitarian aid for displaced civilians.
"Hezbollah must immediately cease its fire toward Israel. Israel must refrain from any ground intervention or large-scale operation on Lebanese territory."
Emmanuel Macron, French President
Ceasefire collapse and ongoing tensions
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Hezbollah's actions as "irresponsible" and announced a government ban on the group's military activities. However, Hezbollah's Qassem insisted the group had a "legitimate right" to bear arms, accusing the government of aligning with Israeli demands.
Under a 2024 ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and France, Hezbollah was required to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure, while Israel was to pull its troops from southern Lebanon. However, the IDF continued near-daily strikes, alleging Hezbollah was rebuilding its capabilities, while Israeli forces maintained positions in the south.
