Beirut on Edge as Israel-Hezbollah Clashes Escalate, Triggering Mass Exodus
BEIRUT – Thousands of Lebanese families are fleeing their homes in southern Beirut after Israeli forces warned of intensified bombing raids targeting Hezbollah positions, marking a dangerous escalation in the broader conflict linked to the war with Iran. The escalating violence has raised fears of a wider regional war and prompted international calls for de-escalation.
The alert sparked panic in the Dahiyeh area, a Hezbollah stronghold, as residents headed north seeking safety, overwhelming roads and shelters. Images circulating on social media showed gridlocked highways and families desperately searching for accommodation.
Israeli airstrikes were reported over Beirut on Thursday evening, following the initial warnings. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich went further, stating the conflict could reduce southern parts of the city to a state similar to the Gaza Strip.
The current crisis stems from Hezbollah’s launch of rockets and drones into Israel on Monday and Tuesday, actions presented as a show of support for Iran. Israel responded with airstrikes in Lebanon and the deployment of troops to the border.
The mass evacuation on Thursday and subsequent strikes have dramatically heightened tensions, compounded by existing political instability in Lebanon surrounding Hezbollah’s role and the potential for a protracted conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts, speaking with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese leaders to seek a cessation of hostilities. Macron stated France would assist the Lebanese government in attempting to rein in Hezbollah.
“Hezbollah must immediately cease its fire toward Israel. Israel must refrain from any ground operations or large-scale actions in Lebanese territory,” Macron said. He also pledged to provide Lebanon with armored vehicles, logistical support, and humanitarian aid.
The situation is particularly concerning for civilians caught in the crossfire. Residents who have sought refuge in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square are uncertain when they will be able to return home.
“It took four or five hours to walk here because of the little children,” said Najah, 27, a mother of five, who is now sheltering in the square.
The conflict is also creating divisions within Lebanon itself. Reuters reported this week that Hezbollah’s attacks had strained its relationship with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a long-time ally, after Berri felt “fooled” by the group’s actions.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced Monday that the government would seek to ban Hezbollah’s military activities, a move facing resistance from within the government itself.
The escalating conflict comes as central Israel also came under attack from Iran, with reports of missile fragments and cluster bomb warheads falling in some areas.
Macron urged Iran not to further involve Lebanon in a war that is not its own, and called on Hezbollah to disarm and demonstrate its commitment to Lebanon’s national interests.
[Image of flames rising following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut’s southern suburbs. Getty Images]
[Image of cars in traffic as people flee Dahiyeh. AP]
[Map distributed by Israeli authorities telling people in Beirut’s southern suburbs to move out of the area.]
[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZhoXM39eKE]
David Crowe is Europe correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Connect via X or email.
