LEBANON — The Israeli military has ordered the forced evacuation of civilians living south of the Litani River on Wednesday (March 4, 2026), triggering a mass displacement as airstrikes intensify across the region. The attacks are reportedly targeting infrastructure linked to the militant group Hezbollah.
At least 83,000 residents have fled their homes, seeking refuge across various parts of Lebanon. The exodus adds to an already deepening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East driven by prolonged regional conflict.
Lebanon’s government said it is working to provide emergency shelters and support services for displaced civilians affected by the escalation.
Evacuation Order Followed by Expanded Military Operations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instructed residents in southern Lebanon to immediately leave their homes and move northward. Shortly after the evacuation warning, Israel launched a large-scale wave of airstrikes across the area.
Tensions escalated after Hezbollah reportedly launched rockets and drones toward northern Israel. The strikes were described as retaliation following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Israel subsequently expanded its military campaign, initiating a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. Israeli troops reportedly entered the town of Khiam and established new military positions in the area.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also ordered forces to capture additional territory to prevent further attacks on Israeli border communities.
Meanwhile, senior Hezbollah official Mohamoud Komati signaled the group’s readiness for broader confrontation.
“The Zionist enemy wants an open war—then let it be an open war,” he said.
Displacement Crisis Intensifies
The latest wave of displacement is placing severe pressure on Lebanon’s emergency response capacity. The Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs reported that 83,847 displaced individuals are currently staying in official shelters.
More than 12,000 families have been distributed across over 300 emergency facilities throughout the country.
Conditions in the capital Beirut have become increasingly difficult. Many displaced families are reportedly sleeping on sidewalks, in public parks, or inside their vehicles due to limited accommodation.
Volunteers operating community kitchens say they are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for food and supplies.
Reports have also emerged that some apartment owners in Beirut have raised rental prices to thousands of U.S. dollars per month, further complicating the situation for those seeking temporary housing.
Casualties Reported
Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least 72 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, including seven children. Another 437 people were reported injured and are receiving medical treatment.
Lebanese Prime Minister Condemns Hezbollah Operations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that the government is working to halt the conflict as quickly as possible while supporting civilians forced to flee their homes.
“Our citizens who were forced to leave their homes are not responsible for what has happened to them,” Salam said.
He also condemned Hezbollah’s military operations, describing them as illegal actions that risk dragging Lebanon deeper into the conflict. The government reiterated its position that any independent security activities by pro-Iran armed groups are unacceptable.
Author: Faisal / FKY
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