Lebanese pack bags and stock up amid fears of new Israeli escalation

Residents across Lebanon are preparing for the possibility of a renewed Israeli offensive, amid reports of heightened regional tensions and uncertainty over the ceasefire. Their preparations reflect the strain of living with ongoing attacks and the prospect of another displacement, even as active fighting has eased.

Some families are packing bags, stocking up on food and medicine, and charging devices; one resident says she would leave if attacks intensified. Lebanon’s health ministry says about 9,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, mostly in the 2024 and 2026 escalations. A ceasefire was announced in April, but Israel has continued attacks and destruction in the south, while a US-brokered framework agreement has yet to settle disputes over troop withdrawals and Hezbollah’s disarmament.