Beirut, 5 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The Israeli military has called on Lebanese refugees not to return to their homes, warning that strikes on villages in Lebanon would continue, a spokesman said on Saturday.

In a post on the social media platform X, the spokesman did not specify which villages were being targeted.

Since the escalation of hostilities in recent weeks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have repeatedly called on residents in specific areas of Lebanon to evacuate, often preceding Israeli airstrikes.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ unprecedented October 7 attacks, has been accompanied by nearly a year of cross-border clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is acting in solidarity with Hamas.

The conflict has now extended into Lebanon, where Israeli forces have significantly weakened the Iran-backed militia, reportedly killing much of its leadership.

The risk of a broader regional war looms as Israel continues its strikes in Lebanon, while Hezbollah persists in launching missiles at Israel, and in light of Iran's recent attack on Israeli territory.

MIA file photo