Israel has ordered a new wave of strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs after issuing evacuation warnings to residents, marking another significant escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Israeli military officials said the operation targeted sites they believe are linked to Hezbollah activities. The strikes followed warnings urging civilians to leave specific neighborhoods before military action began.
Large plumes of smoke were reported over parts of southern Beirut as emergency crews responded to the affected areas. Initial reports indicated damage to buildings and infrastructure, though casualty figures were not immediately clear.
The latest strikes come amid increasing cross-border exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. Military activity has intensified in recent days, raising concerns that the conflict could expand beyond the current front lines.
Regional and international leaders have continued to call for restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize an already fragile Middle East security environment. The situation is being closely monitored by governments across the region as well as global markets concerned about broader geopolitical risks.
Analysts say the coming days may prove critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can slow the violence or whether the confrontation moves into a more dangerous phase.