Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military airstrikes on neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs on June 1, targeting areas linked to Hezbollah despite a US-mediated ceasefire in place since April 17 [1, 2].
Following the strike order, residents in the Dahiyeh area swiftly fled their homes, causing severe traffic congestion on roads and entrances leading out of the southern suburbs as people rushed to evacuate [1, 2]. The evacuation warnings heightened fears of escalating conflict in the capital.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Lebanese University postponed exams held at its Rafic Hariri University Campus in Hadath (Beirut) and in Sidon, impacting students in multiple faculties [2].
The airstrikes order came just days before a new round of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv, scheduled to be held in Washington under US mediation, raising tensions ahead of the diplomatic talks [2].
The ceasefire that has held since mid-April now faces serious strain as military action undermines fragile calm and sparks civilian displacement in Beirut’s southern districts.
Authorities and residents remain on high alert as the situation develops amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
