Thousands of residents fled Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday after Israel announced plans to launch new attacks on the area known as Dahiyeh, a densely populated district widely regarded as a stronghold of Hezbollah. The announcement triggered panic among civilians, leading to severe traffic congestion as families rushed to leave with their belongings.
According to reports from the ground, many residents began evacuating immediately after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement ordering military strikes on the southern outskirts of Beirut. With government shelters already overcrowded, many displaced families were left with few options and prepared to spend the night in their vehicles while awaiting further developments.
Israel’s Defence Minister warned that “there will be no calm in Beirut” if Hezbollah continued its attacks, while also vowing to establish a military-controlled security zone around the Litani River in southern Lebanon. The warning came a day after Israeli forces captured the historic Beaufort Castle, marking their deepest advance into Lebanese territory in more than two decades.
Meanwhile, the United States has proposed a roadmap aimed at reducing tensions. The plan reportedly calls for Hezbollah to halt attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from further escalation in Beirut. Diplomatic efforts continue as fears grow of a wider regional conflict.
The renewed offensive has drawn strong international criticism. France, the United Kingdom, Qatar and Egypt have all condemned the escalation, urging restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement. Since fighting intensified earlier this year, more than one million people have reportedly been displaced across Lebanon, while thousands have been killed or injured in the ongoing violence.
