Tyre in southern Lebanon, engulfed in smoke from an Israeli airstrike [AFP Yonhap News]

The Israeli military, which has continued armed conflict despite a ceasefire with the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, has issued an evacuation order for residents across southern Lebanon, signaling airstrikes.

In a statement on the 27th (local time), the Israeli military warned residents across southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Litani River, stating, "All areas south of the river will be considered combat zones."

Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military's Arabic-speaking spokesperson, urged, "All residents of southern Lebanon are urged to stay away from Hezbollah operatives, facilities, and combat equipment," adding, "The Israeli military has no intention of harming civilians."

Military authorities have issued a series of localized evacuation orders targeting specific cities and towns in southern Lebanon in recent days, but this is the first time an evacuation order has been issued for the entire southern Lebanon region since the ceasefire took effect in mid-last month.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli military on the 15th to "step on the (accelerator) pedal harder" and intensify operations targeting Hezbollah.

Since then, the Israeli military has issued evacuation alerts for at least 50 villages, including Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon, and carried out large-scale airstrikes.

Local media also reported that Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon have expanded ground operations beyond the 'Yellow Line,' a buffer zone designated along the border.

The Yellow Line is an area established by the Israeli military in the southern border region in mid-last month to reduce security threats from Hezbollah, extending up to 10 kilometers deep into Lebanese territory.