At least 30,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, the United Nations has said, AFP reports.

Israel is continuing to carry out air raids, particularly on Beirut’s southern suburbs and the south of the country, after issuing evacuation warnings to residents.

“Heavy displacement is being reported across parts of southern Lebanon, the Bekaa and southern suburbs of Beirut, after Israel issued evacuation warnings to the residents of more than 53 Lebanese villages and intense air strikes across all three parts of Lebanon,” said Babar Baloch, spokesman for the UN refugee agency.

“As of yesterday, the conservative estimates suggest that nearly 30,000 people were hosted and registered at collective shelters. Many more slept in their cars on the side of roads,” the UNHCR spokesman told a press conference in Geneva.

He said more were attempting to leave on foot, seeking safety in other areas.