Israel orders Lebanese to leave swathe of the south, east 'immediately'

Israeli forces have ordered residents to evacuate around 50 towns, municipalities, and villages across southern and eastern Lebanon within a single day, warning of possible imminent military strikes in the affected areas.

According to a report published Wednesday (May 27) by Al Jazeera, the Israeli military issued a series of consecutive warnings over a span of nearly 10 hours, urging civilians to immediately move to safer locations.

The most extensive evacuation directive was issued for the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, where residents were instructed to leave the entire urban area.

Israeli authorities reportedly advised civilians in all at-risk zones to relocate north of the Litani River, approximately 40 kilometres from the border.

Following the announcements, social media footage showed scenes of panic, with families fleeing their homes in haste. Many residents were seen leaving by car and motorcycle, while others moved on foot carrying only essential belongings.

The evacuation list reportedly includes several key towns and villages in southern Lebanon, such as Jezzine, Kfar Sir, Majdal Silm, Maraka, Jouaiya, and Deir Kifa.

Analysts say the scale and speed of the evacuation orders reflect a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising fears of intensified military operations and a further widening of hostilities in the Middle East.