Israel orders evacuation of Lebanese city as conflict with Hezbollah escalates

Israel’s military ordered the evacuation of Tyre, a southern Lebanese city, following air strikes targeting Hezbollah, which it claims violated a US-brokered ceasefire effective since April 16. The ceasefire, extended twice, has seen continued clashes despite its implementation, with Israel stating it was compelled to act forcefully due to Hezbollah’s actions. Lebanese media reported Israeli strikes across southern and eastern Bekaa Valley on Wednesday, resulting in three fatalities in Choukine. Hezbollah denied compliance with the ceasefire, accusing Israel of breaching it and engaging in battles with Israeli troops north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the border. The escalation follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of expanded ground operations after Hezbollah drone attacks on troops in southern Lebanon and civilians in northern Israel. Negotiations involving the US, Israel, and Iran to end the conflict remain stalled, with Iran insisting Lebanon must be included in any deal, while Israel maintains its right to continue targeting Hezbollah. Lebanon entered the conflict on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Since then, Lebanon’s health ministry has reported at least 3,213 deaths, though it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel has reported 23 soldier and four civilian fatalities in the same period. Both sides have continued exchanging fire despite the ceasefire, raising concerns over a broader regional conflict. The ongoing violence threatens diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation, with Hezbollah’s actions and Israel’s military response keeping tensions high.