Live updates: Israel hits Beirut as Hezbollah ceasefire talks convene

The Israeli military spokesperson issued a series of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas of Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, such as the Hamra commercial district of the capital, where many people displaced by the war stay.

The warnings, coupled with fears that Israel would intensify its attacks in Lebanon in the final hours before a ceasefire was reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to areas safer.

In areas near Hamra, families, including women and children, were seen fleeing to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea with their belongings. Traffic was completely blocked as people tried to flee, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead.

The Israeli military also ordered the evacuation of 20 other buildings in Beirut’s suburbs before they too were struck – a sign it aimed to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before a ceasefire. -the fire does not set in.