Israel orders evacuation of Lebanese town ahead of planned strikes

The Israeli military on Friday, April 24, ordered residents to evacuate the southern Lebanese town of Deir Aames, located north of what Israel describes as a self-declared “security zone,” ahead of planned strikes, Reuters reported.

According to the report, the military said Hezbollah had operated from the town, although it did not provide evidence to support the claim or specify when such activity had taken place. Israeli forces warned that militant actions originating from Deir Aames would trigger retaliatory measures.

The evacuation order comes despite an existing ceasefire. Israel has stated that its forces will continue to hold territory it has captured in southern Lebanon and has established what it calls a “security zone” extending approximately 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova