Tens of thousands of individuals evacuated southern Lebanon on Tuesday as Israel intensified its military operations against Hezbollah, resulting in over 550 casualties. Hezbollah retaliated with a series of cross-border attacks, while the Israeli military announced plans to ramp up its offensive against the Iran-supported militant group.
In Washington, preparations were underway to deploy troops to assist in the evacuation of American citizens, with numerous international flights being canceled due to concerns that the renewed violence could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell remarked, “I can say that we are almost in a full-fledged war,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This crisis in southern Lebanon is expected to be a key topic for Secretary of State Antony Blinken during meetings with officials from the Group of Seven countries on Tuesday.
On the same day, Israel reported the “elimination” of Ibrahim Kobeisi, a senior Hezbollah official overseeing missile operations targeting Israel.
The main route from southern Lebanon to Beirut was congested, as anxious residents, following Israeli warnings, packed their vehicles with essential items and fled northward. The United Nations Refugee Agency estimated that tens of thousands of Lebanese have left their homes.
Ali Hassan, a refugee from Tyre, shared his struggles on the journey to safety, highlighting that some relatives remain without shelter and that schools are now overcrowded with displaced individuals. Many families have sought refuge in facilities like the Hotel Technical Institute in Dekwaneh, where aid organizations provide food and essentials.
UNICEF cautioned that a further escalation of the conflict could have “catastrophic” effects on children and families in Lebanon. Local health officials reported nearly 500 deaths on Monday, with the toll climbing to at least 558 by Tuesday, including numerous children and women, alongside over 1,800 injuries.
The conflict intensified after Israeli intelligence successfully detonated devices hidden within communication equipment supplied to Hezbollah members. An airstrike last Friday led to significant casualties in Beirut, killing at least 45 people, including prominent Hezbollah leaders.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported multiple strikes against Hezbollah positions early Tuesday, reiterating the importance of maintaining pressure on the group according to military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.
Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which triggered Israel’s military response in Gaza, both Israel and Hezbollah have been engaging in reciprocal assaults. Experts caution that while neither Israel nor Iran desires a direct conflict, there is apprehension that ongoing attacks could lead to an escalation. A U.S. official noted that the U.S. does not support Israel’s current strategy against Hezbollah.