Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Thousands have fled the southern suburbs of Beirut after Israel announced renewed strikes targeting Hezbollah militants reportedly sheltering there. Families are leaving by car, motorcycle, and on foot, carrying essentials, while many others return to shelters amid growing fear and uncertainty, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) on Monday.
The UN has emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and urged all involved to respect the cessation of hostilities and avoid further escalation. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric condemned civilian casualties and highlighted the importance of seeking a diplomatic solution to end the violence.
The developments come as the UN Security Council prepares for an emergency session to discuss the escalating conflict. Humanitarian agencies have reported displacement not only in Beirut but also in southern cities such as Tyre and Saida following strike announcements and displacement orders.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert noted that southern Lebanon was "in flames" and that roads in Beirut were congested with people fleeing their homes. She remarked that suffering is compounding as both sides continue their confrontations, and escalation remains a high-stakes gamble with heavy costs borne by people who have already endured great losses.
This crisis is part of wider regional unrest that began on 2 March after US and Israeli bombing of Iran, prompting Hezbollah to fire on Israel. Since then, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 3,412 people have been killed and over 10,000 injured in Lebanon, with at least 88 deaths reported over a recent weekend.
Attacks have also impacted healthcare services, with the World Health Organization reporting five attacks in the past three days, resulting in the death of one health worker and injuries to 19 others.
A US-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel came into effect on 17 April but has not been fully observed by either party. It was extended twice, most recently on 16 May for 45 days. UN agencies, including UNHCR, continue to support Lebanon's emergency response efforts in coordination with government authorities.