The Israeli military has ordered over 20 southern Lebanese towns to evacuate immediately, warning residents of potential Israeli attacks. Included in the warning are towns such as Al-Bas, Majdal Salm, and Toulin. The military spokesperson urged civilians to head north to escape potential harm from Hezbollah presence in the area. Lebanon’s transport minister also reported an Israeli strike near the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, cutting off a vital road used by refugees.
In separate attacks, at least 18 people were killed in a West Bank refugee camp by an Israeli airstrike targeting a Hamas leader. The strikes in Lebanon overnight targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, with Hashem Safieddine, a possible successor to the slain leader Hassan Nasrallah, being a reported target. Amid escalating tension, US President Joe Biden has commented that there is currently no military action ongoing and expressed confidence in averting an all-out war in the region.
The European Union has condemned the Israeli strike on a central Beirut medical center as a violation of humanitarian law, while the UN warns of a catastrophic situation for civilians in Lebanon. The death toll and displacement numbers continue to rise as the conflict escalates, with Iran also issuing warnings against countries collaborating with Israel on attacks. The G7 has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, calling for restraint from all parties involved.
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