As Middle East tensions continue to escalate, Israel warned residents in southern Lebanon "not to return" to their homes, following Hezbollah's announcement of missile launches across the border on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. 

In cities throughout Israel, markets were closed, and public transportation was suspended as observant Jews engaged in fasting and prayer. Meanwhile, the country remained at war, with troops involved in combat against Hamas in Gaza and in southern Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah, amidst growing criticism regarding the injuries sustained by four UN peacekeepers.

In a message directed at residents of southern Lebanon, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X, “For your own protection, do not return to your homes until further notice... Do not go south; anyone who goes south may put his life at risk."

Adraee reiterated a previous request for healthcare workers and medical teams in southern Lebanon to refrain from using ambulances, alleging that they are being utilized by Hezbollah fighters. He stated that Israeli forces are actively "targeting Hezbollah positions in or around your villages."

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He urged medical teams to avoid interactions with Hezbollah members and to refrain from cooperating with them.

"The IDF (Israeli military) confirms that appropriate measures will be taken against any vehicle transporting armed individuals, regardless of its nature," he added.

In addition to reports of Israeli troops engaging in combat with Hezbollah militants in the area, Reuters reported that the statement pertains to 22 villages in southern Lebanon, where residents have been instructed to evacuate to regions north of the Awali River.

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In a post on X, UNICEF stated that children in Lebanon are "living in fear". The UN agency mentioned that it has been supplying displaced children in Lebanon with "essential needs, including mental health support," but emphasised that what they "truly need is a ceasefire."