Thousands flee as Israeli airstrikes ravage Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across southern Lebanon, displacing thousands of civilians and escalating the already tense situation in the region. As Israel’s air campaign ramps up, targeting Hezbollah’s missile launchers and weapons depots, the Lebanese population in affected areas has been forced to flee their homes in a mass exodus. Israeli forces have struck more than 1,600 Hezbollah targets since late September 2024, pushing Lebanon to the brink of humanitarian disaster.

Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) have made it clear that these strikes are aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, urging civilians to evacuate any area where the militant group operates. This call, however, has been dismissed by the Lebanese government, which views the warnings as part of a psychological warfare campaign. Hezbollah, which has responded by launching waves of rockets into Israel, has caused further strain on civilians in both countries.

Lebanese displacement reaches crisis levels

The escalation has led to the displacement of over 93,000 Lebanese civilians, adding to an already significant humanitarian crisis. These families have been forced to seek refuge in other parts of Lebanon, while some attempt to leave the country entirely. Southern Lebanon has been a key battleground between Hezbollah and Israel, and the displacement of civilians has reached new heights with the increasing airstrikes. Israeli forces have extended their campaign to areas such as the Beqaa Valley and Byblos, hitting regions far from the border for the first time.

In addition to the displacement, Lebanese infrastructure has been severely damaged. Hospitals, electricity grids, and essential water supplies have been impacted by the ongoing airstrikes. The Lebanese health minister confirmed that these facilities were not spared, further complicating the plight of the displaced population. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that 83 civilians have been killed, while many more face challenges accessing basic services.

Expert analysis: Israel’s strategy and Hezbollah’s response

Military experts suggest that Israel’s strategy is to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities without launching a full-scale ground invasion. The IDF has refrained from ground operations, focusing on airstrikes that target Hezbollah’s missile storage and other critical infrastructure. While these strikes aim to prevent further Hezbollah rocket launches, they have drawn significant international concern over the impact on civilians.

Hezbollah, in response, continues to fire rockets into northern Israel. While many of these rockets are intercepted, the damage to Israeli civilian infrastructure and the disruption to daily life are profound. Some experts believe that Hezbollah’s strategy is to draw Israel into a prolonged conflict, using the group’s vast network of underground tunnels and rocket sites embedded within civilian areas. By placing military targets in residential zones, Hezbollah exposes Lebanese civilians to heightened risk, a tactic that has drawn criticism from both Israel and international observers.

Despite the ongoing airstrikes, Hezbollah has not shown signs of backing down. The death of senior commanders such as Ibrahim Aqil and Ibrahim Kubisi, key figures in Hezbollah’s military operations, has dealt a blow to the group, but their ability to launch retaliatory strikes remains robust. This back-and-forth violence, with neither side showing signs of de-escalation, continues to trap civilians in an increasingly precarious situation.

What lies ahead?

As Israel and Hezbollah remain locked in this conflict, the situation for Lebanese civilians grows more desperate. Displacement numbers continue to rise, and infrastructure damage is mounting. While Israel insists that its war is with Hezbollah and not the Lebanese people, the reality on the ground tells a more complex story, with civilians caught in the crossfire.

The international community is urging both parties to show restraint, but the likelihood of a ceasefire seems distant as the fighting intensifies. The broader geopolitical landscape, with Iran backing Hezbollah, complicates the prospects for peace. For now, the future remains uncertain, with the displaced Lebanese population facing the brunt of the conflict’s devastation.