BEIRUT 

The Israeli army issued new evacuation orders for civilians in 16 towns in southern Lebanon on Tuesday as Israel continued its air and ground attacks on the country

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee ordered civilians in the targeted towns to immediately evacuate their homes and move north of the Awali River.

The list of the targeted towns include Tayr Harfa, Jebbayn, El Qaser El Ahmar, Jbal El Botm, Zebqine, Chihine, Houmayri, Kharayeb, Ansar, Al-Matariyyah, Aadloun, Majdal Zoun, Chamaa, Abou Chach, Alama Al-Shaab, and Naqoura.

Israel has mounted a massive air campaign in Lebanon since last month against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation from a year of cross-border warfare between Israel and the group since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on Gaza.

Over 2,700 people have been killed and nearly 12,500 injured in Israeli attacks since October last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 this year by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala