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Israel Orders Mass Evacuations in Baalbek as Attacks on Hezbollah Intensify
Israel has ordered a full evacuation of Baalbek, Lebanon, amid intensified strikes on Hezbollah targets, prompting thousands to flee and sparking humanitarian concerns.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-01
Israel Orders Mass Evacuations in Baalbek as Attacks on Hezbollah Intensify

For the first time since escalating its military operations in Lebanon, Israel has issued a citywide evacuation order for Baalbek, prompting tens of thousands to flee amid fears of imminent attacks. This decision follows a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in the region.

 

The evacuation notices, issued on Wednesday and Thursday, have led to widespread panic among residents. “People are panicking, running around in confusion, bumping into each other, unsure where to go or what to do,” said Roula Zeaiter, programme manager for RDFL (The Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering). She described how crowded neighborhoods, already housing displaced families from previous Israeli bombardments in southern Lebanon, quickly emptied out as residents scrambled to secure their homes and livelihoods.

 

Immediately following the forced displacement announcement, Israeli airstrikes hit Baalbek and its surroundings. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including eight women. Local authorities confirmed the intensity of the strikes, with Baalbek's mayor, Mustafa al-Shall, stating that the city was under heavy bombardment.

 

Baalbek, with a population of approximately 80,000, is a strategic location for Hezbollah and has historical significance, featuring some of the best-preserved Roman ruins globally, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Bacchus. The city is known for its agricultural activities and traditional crafts, making tourism and local economies particularly vulnerable to the ongoing conflict.

 

As residents fled, some sought refuge in the ancient temples, hoping that the site’s cultural heritage status might provide some measure of protection. However, with the Israeli military explicitly targeting Hezbollah's infrastructure within the city, the future remains uncertain for many.

 

In its justification for the strikes, the Israeli military stated, “Earlier today, the air force struck command and control centers and terrorist infrastructure used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Baalbek and Nabatieh.” The military emphasized that the evacuation order was aimed at protecting civilians, yet previous attacks in the region have drawn criticism for being indiscriminate.

 

While the evacuation order is unprecedented in this wave of conflict, it highlights the increasing intensity of Israeli operations against Hezbollah, which has responded with cross-border attacks since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The situation in Lebanon has rapidly deteriorated, with over 2,867 fatalities and more than 13,047 injuries reported since the beginning of hostilities.

 

The ongoing conflict has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with more than 188,000 individuals displaced. The international community continues to monitor the situation as both sides of the conflict brace for further escalations.

 

 
Tagged:

Israel

hezbollah

HumanitarianCrisis

MiddleEastConflict

Lebanon

Baalbek
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