Tensions Escalate as Israeli Military Urges Lebanese Evacuations Amidst Heavy Strikes

The Israeli military has urged southern Lebanese residents to evacuate buildings storing Hezbollah weapons as it carries out extensive strikes against the militant group. This follows a retaliatory attack by Hezbollah involving over 100 rockets and drones. Rising tensions threaten an all-out war, complicating Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

In a critical move, the Israeli military on Monday urged residents in southern Lebanon to vacate buildings used by Hezbollah for weapons storage. This comes amidst widespread airstrikes against the militant group, marking an escalation in the prolonged border conflict.

This unprecedented warning follows a heavy exchange of fire on Sunday, when Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets, missiles, and drones into northern Israel. The militant group was retaliating for recent Israeli strikes that had killed a top commander and several dozen fighters.

The ongoing conflict has sparked fears of a broader war, especially as Israel is concurrently engaged with Palestinian Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah has pledged to maintain its strikes in solidarity with Hamas and the Palestinians. An Israeli military official stated that their current operations are focused on airstrikes, not ground invasions, aiming to reduce Hezbollah's attacking capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)