Lebanon is facing widespread panic as Israeli forces escalate their attacks across the country. Early reports indicate that multiple airstrikes have hit Beirut’s southern suburbs. Several residential buildings were destroyed, while some strikes targeted locations without prior warning, including a hotel in the Hazmieh area. The Israeli Defence Ministry recently authorised the military to occupy additional positions inside Lebanon. Sources confirm that Israeli troops have advanced at least a kilometre from seven positions along the border. Civilians are receiving urgent evacuation calls. The combination of ground operations, airstrikes, and constant drone surveillance has created a chaotic environment. Many residents are unsure where to seek safety, and fear is widespread.
Meanwhile, Pakistani nationals in Iran have been urgently trying to reach safety amid the ongoing US-Israeli attacks. The Pakistani embassy in Tehran called on all citizens to report to its offices by Saturday evening. Hundreds of students arrived carrying essential items, including clothes, documents, laptops, and cash. Five buses left the embassy compound late on Saturday, beginning a 1,500-kilometre journey to Zahedan. The trip took approximately 20 hours, passing through cities such as Yazd, Isfahan, and Kerman, even as the conflict escalated with Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
Spain has expressed surprise over recent remarks from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Madrid said it was unexpected that the German leader appeared to support US pressure regarding Iran. The issue arose after US threats to cut trade with Spain due to its refusal to allow Washington to use Spanish bases for potential attacks on Iran. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares noted that previous German leaders would likely not have made such statements.
Israel’s military reports that, despite destroying dozens of Iranian missile launchers, Tehran still retains a significant capacity to fire missiles. Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that further strikes will continue to reduce threats but warned that Israel’s defence is not impenetrable. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has advanced further into Lebanese territory, including the town of Khiam, located approximately six kilometres from the border. Continuous shelling is being reported in the area, heightening tension and civilian fear.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an attack targeting an Israeli military base near the northern city of Safed. In Saudi Arabia, the Ras Tanura oil refinery, operated by Aramco, was damaged after debris from intercepted drones caused a fire. Authorities had previously shut down the plant following safety concerns.
US and Israeli officials have indicated that the conflict with Iran may continue for several weeks. Israel faces repeated missile and drone strikes while mobilising tens of thousands of reservists. The ongoing attacks have caused air raid alerts, school closures, and significant civilian disruption.
