Thousands of residents fled the southern suburbs of Beirut after Israel announced it would expand its military actions against Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement on Monday signaled an escalation, raising concerns about the fragile cease-fire with Hezbollah.
Beirut prepared for potential strikes on its southern suburbs, known as Dahiya. This follows an announcement that the Israeli military will target these areas as part of a broader campaign against Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran. Although Israel refrained from attacking Beirut since a cease-fire in early April, it continued bombardments in southern and eastern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has targeted both Israeli forces and locations in Northern Israel.
The announcement led to a mass exodus, with thousands leaving their homes. Roads quickly became congested as people hurried to escape the danger. For many, this evacuation has become a familiar ordeal during the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Zahra Khomasi, a 43-year-old resident, shared her experience while waiting in traffic outside Dahiya. “I lost count of how many times I’ve evacuated,” she said. Khomasi was forced to flee during the clashes in 2024, returned after a cease-fire, and left again when the conflict reignited in March. She packed her belongings and left with her young children, reflecting on how this routine has become a part of their lives.
Since 2023, many Dahiya residents have been repeatedly displaced. That year, Hezbollah supported Hamas, a Palestinian group, against Israel, sparking a significant conflict. Even after a cease-fire was established in November 2024, fighting persisted in various regions in Lebanon.
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