Israeli military on Friday issued evacuation orders to residents of nine villages north of the Litani River, signaling preparations for a dangerous new ground invasion into Lebanese territory.

In a statement published in Arabic, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned civilians in a number of southern Lebanese communities to move at least one kilometre away from their homes, claiming that anyone near Hezbollah personnel, facilities, or weapons would be at risk.

The warning came as Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon continued despite an existing ceasefire agreement that has been repeatedly undermined by ongoing Israeli violations and military operations.

The latest escalation follows a series of Israeli airstrikes that struck the southern coastal city of Tyre overnight, killing at least seven people and injuring several others, according to Lebanese civil defence sources.

One of the strikes reportedly targeted an area near Jabal Amel Hospital, killing four people and wounding seven others. The attack also caused damage to parts of the medical facility, raising concerns over the safety of civilian infrastructure amid the continuing hostilities.

A separate strike elsewhere in the city claimed the lives of three additional people and injured five others, including two children.

Lebanese officials and residents have expressed alarm over the growing number of civilian casualties resulting from the attacks, particularly as populated urban areas continue to come under fire.

The renewed violence comes after Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected a conditional ceasefire proposal reportedly discussed by Lebanese and Israeli mediators.

Qassem called instead for a comprehensive ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, arguing that any sustainable solution must address the root causes of the conflict rather than impose temporary arrangements.

He also warned that continued Israeli military actions could trigger further resistance operations targeting northern Israel.

The latest Israeli evacuation orders and airstrikes have heightened fears that the conflict could expand into a larger military confrontation, threatening regional stability and placing additional pressure on diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving the ceasefire.

Observers warn that the continued targeting of civilian areas, combined with escalating rhetoric and military deployments, risks pushing the border conflict into a more dangerous phase.

As residents of southern Lebanon face renewed uncertainty and displacement threats, calls are growing for international intervention to halt the violence, protect civilians, and prevent the region from sliding into a wider war. (ILKHA)