Mohammad Sio
08 April 2026•Update: 08 April 2026
The Israeli army on Wednesday issued an immediate evacuation order for residents in southern Lebanon, calling on those living south of the Zahrani River to leave their homes and move north as military operations are expected to escalate.
In a statement posted on the US social media company X, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said fighting in Lebanon remains ongoing despite a ceasefire deal with Iran.
“The battle in Lebanon continues, and the ceasefire situation does not include Lebanon,” Adraee claimed, warning civilians to stay away from areas where the Israeli military is allegedly targeting Hezbollah activities.
The military urged residents to “evacuate homes immediately” and move north of the Zahrani River to ensure their safety, warning that remaining in areas south of the river could endanger both individuals and their families.
It also cautioned against any movement toward the south, saying such actions could expose civilians to danger.
Israel has carried out airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, despite a ceasefire that took effect in November 2024.
Lebanese authorities said that at least 1,530 people have since been killed and 4,812 others injured in the Israeli attacks.
US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday. The announcement came less than two hours before a deadline Trump had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face what he described as the destruction of “an entire civilization.”
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,400 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It has also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
