More than half a million people have been displaced in Lebanon after the Israeli army issued its largest evacuation order yet for the southern suburbs of Beirut. The area, once bustling with activity, has become a ghost town, with rubble and fires replacing the usual crowds. The order came as part of an escalating campaign that has already placed the entire region south of the Litani River under displacement directives.
Residents fled in panic, with many abandoning their cars and walking towards the sea to escape the bombs. The Lebanese government announced that all shelters in Beirut were full and instructed people to travel at least two hours north for accommodation. Ali Hamdan, a 31-year-old father from the Haret Hreik neighbourhood, said: 'A person leaving his house can only take a few clothes and maybe a mattress. All of the beautiful memories stay behind.'
The bombardment has caused significant destruction, with entire buildings levelled and storefronts blown in. Mayor of Ghobeiri, Ahmad al-Khasneh, described the damage as 'deliberate' and noted that some elderly and disabled residents could not evacuate, with no help from the state. The strikes followed Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, which prompted a swift Israeli response.
Public sentiment has shifted, with many Lebanese blaming Hezbollah for the conflict. Displaced Shia families face suspicion and discrimination, with some landlords refusing to rent to them or raising prices. An airstrike on a hotel in Hazmieh, which was sheltering displaced families, has heightened fears that the targeting is designed to sow societal divisions.
