Israel has declared a vast stretch of southern Lebanon a “combat zone” and urged civilians to immediately evacuate northward, signalling a major escalation in its ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The announcement comes despite an existing ceasefire agreement brokered in April this year, which has repeatedly come under strain due to continued cross-border attacks and military operations.
The Israeli military said all areas south of Lebanon’s Zahrani River would now be considered active combat zones. The river lies nearly 40 kilometres north of the Israel-Lebanon border, meaning the warning effectively covers a massive portion of southern Lebanon spanning around 2,000 square kilometres. Residents have been advised to move further north toward safer areas, including the coastal city of Sidon, which is already sheltering thousands of displaced civilians.
The warning followed one of the heaviest waves of Israeli airstrikes in recent weeks. Reports said over 120 strikes targeted areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, including villages believed by Israel to house Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanese authorities have claimed that the attacks have led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Although a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on April 16 under United States mediation, violence has continued across the border region. Israel maintains that it retains the right to act against imminent threats posed by Hezbollah, while Hezbollah has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the truce through airstrikes and military incursions.
The latest developments indicate that Israel is broadening its military campaign beyond the previously established “security zone” near the border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israeli troops had crossed beyond the Litani River and advanced deeper into Lebanese territory. Israeli forces have also reportedly captured strategic positions, including the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, a site considered militarily significant because it overlooks large parts of the border region.
Humanitarian concerns are rapidly growing as civilians continue to flee the conflict-hit areas. According to reports, more than one million people have already been displaced since fighting intensified earlier this year. Entire villages in southern Lebanon have reportedly emptied out following repeated evacuation orders and continued bombardment. Satellite data and local officials cited in international reports suggest that several regions have become nearly uninhabitable.
The United Nations and humanitarian organisations have expressed concern over the worsening situation. UNICEF recently reported that children in Lebanon are increasingly becoming victims of the conflict, with casualties among minors continuing to rise amid the ongoing strikes and clashes.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified again earlier this year amid broader regional tensions involving Iran. Despite diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation, repeated exchanges of fire and military operations have pushed the region closer to a wider confrontation, raising fears of prolonged instability across the Middle East.
