Residents leave southern Beirut amid fears of escalation

Families have begun fleeing Beirut’s southern suburbs following new threats from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al Jazeera Arabic reported. 

The reported departures come as Israel intensifies military operations in southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley.

In a video message on Monday, Netanyahu signalled a further escalation in the campaign, saying Israel was not easing its military pressure and had instead ordered forces to intensify operations.

The developments have heightened fears among residents of densely populated areas of Beirut that the conflict could expand further.