Israeli airstrikes hit Tyre, killing eight and prompting evacuation of historic Christian quarter

Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday hit the al-Masaken neighbourhood of Tyre in southern Lebanon, killing eight civilians and wounding at least 32 others. The attacks were followed by additional strikes on other parts of the city and on the nearby village of Abbasieh.

The Israeli military subsequently issued a forced-evacuation order for the city’s Palestinian refugee camps and for the historic Christian quarter, alleging that Hezbollah operatives had entered the area. Hundreds of residents fled, crowding narrow streets with cars loaded with mattresses and personal belongings.

Christian clergy from three denominations appealed to the international community and Lebanese authorities to prevent further attacks on the quarter, describing it as “the historical and human heart of Tyre” and warning of a potential humanitarian disaster.

The strikes also damaged several archaeological sites, including Roman ruins at al-Bass. Ali Badawi, regional director of archaeological sites for Lebanon’s ministry of culture, said debris had fallen on columns, capitals, bases and mosaics, causing damage to the protected heritage area.

The latest fighting follows a broader escalation that began in early March after Hezbollah launched rockets in response to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel are ongoing in Washington, though Hezbollah has not taken part in the talks.