Over a quarter of Lebanon under Israeli evacuation orders

New Delhi, Oct 15: In Lebanon, the UN refugee agency reports that more than a quarter of the country is under Israeli evacuation orders.

The agency’s Middle East director, Rema Jamous Imseis, revealed that new orders in 20 southern villages have displaced over 1.2 million people from regions like southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and parts of Beirut, media reported.

Many are living in unsanitary conditions in shelters, overwhelming welfare services. In Beirut, authorities were prepared for just 10% of the current number of displaced individuals, the city’s mayor said.

The UN peacekeepers remain in southern Lebanon, despite Israel’s demands for them to withdraw. Lebanese officials reported that at least 21 people were killed in a recent Israeli strike in the north. Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati mentioned having received “some” assurances from the US regarding a reduction in Israeli strikes on Beirut, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue attacking Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.