ISRAELI ARMY ISSUES EVACUATION WARNINGS FOR 24 LEBANESE LOCATIONS

The Israeli army issued evacuation warnings on Saturday for residents of 24 locations across Lebanon, including the southern city of Nabatieh, ahead of military operations in the region. Israeli airstrikes struck several areas in southern Lebanon, with the National News Agency reporting hits particularly around Nabatieh. A Lebanese soldier was severely wounded after being struck by an Israeli drone on the road between Kfar Remman and Nabatieh. The Israeli military instructed residents of the targeted locations to "evacuate your homes immediately and move to the north of the Zahrani River", approximately 45 kilometres from the southern border with Israel.

Witnesses reported blasts around Kfar Remman, a location repeatedly targeted in recent operations, and observed smoke rising from Kfar Tebnit. An Israeli airstrike also killed a local official in Rihan, located in the southern region of Jezzine. Correspondents on the ground described Nabatieh as nearly deserted, with artillery shelling reported throughout the city and surrounding areas overnight and during Saturday. Israel declared all areas south of the Zahrani River "combat zones" in the previous month and has since conducted intensive strikes in the region.

The evacuation orders and strikes occurred as the United States and Iran indicated progress towards a potential agreement to end the Middle East conflict, which could extend to include Lebanon. Lebanon became drawn into the broader conflict following attacks by Hezbollah against Israel in support of Tehran. The latest military operations represent a continuation of Israeli operations in southern Lebanese territory.