Mass Exodus in Southern Lebanon Amid ​Israeli Air Attacks

Thousands of people have fled southern Lebanon, ⁤seeking refuge in areas near the‌ capital Beirut and Mount Lebanon, following a series of Israeli air attacks ⁤that have left at least 274 people dead ⁣and over 1,000 ⁢injured.

The latest data⁣ from Lebanon’s health minister reveals⁣ that the attacks have resulted in significant loss of life, with 21​ children ​and 31 women among the victims. The minister confirmed that 1,024⁢ people have​ been injured​ in⁢ the ⁢attacks.

Roads Congested⁢ with Fleeing Civilians

The roads connecting the southern⁢ port ⁣city of Tire to Beirut are congested with convoys of cars carrying women, children, and personal belongings. Many are traveling along the main Khaldeh ⁤highway, which⁣ leads ​to the southern entrance of‌ Beirut.

“There are attacks everywhere, and ‌the noise is terrifying,” said a⁣ woman fleeing the area. A man accompanying her added that they are unsure⁣ of their destination but believe it is best to reach the‌ capital.

Israel’s⁢ Military Campaign

Israel has ‌announced that it has carried out over 800 airstrikes against Hezbollah⁢ targets and ⁢infrastructure. A government source, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that “Israel is trying​ to create a displacement ⁢crisis‍ to increase ‌pressure⁢ on‍ Hezbollah.”

Lebanon’s Economic Crisis Worsens

Lebanon is⁢ facing its most‌ severe ⁢economic crisis in history, ‌and there ​are concerns that the country will struggle ⁢to cope⁤ with the⁤ mass population⁢ displacement. The ‌economic crisis⁢ has already put a‌ significant strain ⁤on the country’s resources.

Refugees ⁢Seek Shelter in Schools

Some empty schools near the capital are being prepared to receive refugees from southern Lebanon. The Minister​ of‍ Education, Abbas al-Halabi, confirmed that some schools on the ​outskirts of the capital have already‍ opened⁢ their doors to refugees.

Andrea Tenenti, ⁤spokesperson for the United Nations Interim⁣ Force in South Lebanon (UNIFIL), stated that non-essential personnel have‌ been⁢ advised to move outside the United Nations agency’s area of operation.

A “Real War” Has Begun

“Our​ military peacekeepers and a number‍ of civilians will remain​ here to continue ​the core mission,” ‍Tenenti ​said. The people fleeing the area ⁢appear shocked, panicked, and‍ scared, with many in tears.

One refugee believes that “a real war has already⁤ broken out” and expressed fear that the population may not return to their homes.