Nations Urge Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
As the Middle East threatens to implode into new conflict, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and many other countries across the globe are urging, in the strongest possible terms, their citizens to pull out of Lebanon amid escalating tension. The warnings follow the US further bolstering the military presence in the region, with the American embassy in Lebanon calling on its nationals to secure any available flights out of the country. This followed a renewed call from the UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, imploring all British nationals to "leave now."
The high alert condition comes a day after Iran vows to revenge the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in a visit to Tehran. He apparently was assassinated a few hours after his top military commander, Fu’ad Shukr, was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut. However, the incident has raised fears that the Israeli continuing military attacks on Gaza may snowball into a fully-blown Middle East war, in which Hezbollah could turn out to be a major player. The Hezbollah, over the weekend, launched several projectiles into Israel. An immediate response by Israeli strikes against Hezbollah positions inside Lebanon followed.
In view of these events, many countries have updated their travel advice. France advised its nationals to leave Lebanon “as soon as possible,” and Jordan issued similar warnings. Others, like Kenya and Turkey, suggested their nationals who were not critically essential to leave for the time being while commercial flights were still available. The situation has provoked airlines like Air France and Lufthansa to cancel or divert flights to and from Lebanon.
The United States has additionally bolstered its military action by sending a carrier strike group, bombers, and the possibility of more attacks on Iranian targets or any other military option. Jon Finer, the White House deputy national security adviser, stated that the US and Israel were “preparing for every possibility.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had talks with G7 foreign ministers over the weekend, focusing on de-escalating the conflict, securing a ceasefire, freeing hostages, and humanitarian access to Gaza.
