Mass displacement from the southern suburb of Beirut after intense Israeli airstrikes.

Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, targeting sites allegedly used by Hezbollah to manufacture drones in underground facilities. The strikes hit four locations between the areas of Al-Hadath and Harat Hreik, with Israel carrying out over 20 airstrikes, including 16 by drones and 5 by fighter jets, targeting the southern suburb and Ain Qana. The Israeli army stated that the bombardment was part of operations targeting Unit 127 affiliated with Hezbollah, claiming it is responsible for developing drones within hidden infrastructure amidst civilian areas. Israeli officials said the attacks aim to prevent the party from reorganizing after strikes that eliminated a significant portion of its leadership and military arsenal. In an escalatory move, the Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an urgent warning on his "X" platform to the residents of the southern suburb, specifically in the areas of Al-Hadath, Harat Hreik, and Burj Al-Barajneh, instructing them to evacuate buildings marked in red on attached maps, confirming they are military targets of Hezbollah, and urging residents to stay at least 300 meters away. Adraee indicated that the Israeli Air Force would carry out airstrikes targeting underground facilities dedicated to drone production, established within densely populated civilian areas in the heart of Beirut's southern suburb. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that he had given the green light for these operations under direct orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As the airstrikes began, the southern suburb witnessed a state of panic and heavy displacement, with severe traffic congestion on the streets, accompanied by gunfire in the air to warn residents and prompt them to leave the area immediately. The locals hurried to leave the targeted neighborhoods, while the sounds of explosions shook the Lebanese capital, creating a terrifying scene for the residents. This is the first time in over a month that Israel has targeted Beirut's suburbs and the fourth since the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US on November 27, 2024, which ended the latest round of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the continuation of this agreement, Israel has continued to carry out airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, reaching the suburbs, with its forces still stationed at five border points inside Lebanese territory.