Last Updated on 31/07/2024 by Arun jain
After the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and earlier the killing of Hezbollah’s top commander, Israel has increased the security of its diplomatic missions around the world. In view of the recent escalation of tensions between Lebanon and Israel, many countries have issued advisories for their citizens living in Lebanon. In this, citizens have been asked to return as soon as possible and those planning to go there have been asked to postpone their travel.
The countries that have issued advisories include Australia, Britain and the US. Apart from this, India also issued an advisory for its citizens a few days ago. The advisory issued by Australia on July 31 said, “We are constantly advising that Australians should not travel to Lebanon due to the unstable security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further. Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately, commercial flights are available. The security situation in Lebanon can deteriorate rapidly with little or no notice.”
The advisory further said, “Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further cancellations and disruptions of flights may occur with little or no notice. Beirut airport may close, and you will not be able to leave for a long time. Airlines may cancel more flights or set higher ticket prices for any remaining flights. There may also be other travel disruptions. The Australian Government may not be able to assist you in emigrating in such circumstances.”
The Australian Government’s preventive travel advice is in effect until 19 October 2023. At the time it was issued, armed conflict was escalating in southern Lebanon.
Britain also issued advisory
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued its advisory against all travel to Lebanon due to the risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hezbollah and other non-state organisations in the Middle Eastern kingdom. FCDO officials said mortar and artillery exchanges and air strikes were ongoing in Lebanon, mainly along the border with Israel but also in parts of the Bekaa Valley and some other locations north of the Litani River.
The US embassy also issued a warning
In an advisory issued on July 28, the US Embassy in Lebanon drew the attention of its citizens in the region to the fact that some airlines were adjusting their flight schedules in the country. Middle East Airlines (MEA) announced that several flights scheduled to land in Beirut on the evening of the 28th landed on the morning of the 29th. Other airlines flying into Beirut also made adjustments to their respective flight schedules in view of the growing tensions at the border. US citizens traveling to and from Lebanon were also asked to closely monitor their flight status.
India had also issued an advisory
The Indian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon on Monday advised Indian citizens in the country to exercise caution and stay in touch with the Embassy. The Embassy has issued an emergency phone number and an email ID for Indian citizens in Lebanon. And advised them to stay in touch with the Embassy. The Indian Embassy issued an advisory saying that in view of the recent developments in the region, all Indian citizens living in Lebanon and those planning to travel to Lebanon are advised to exercise caution and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Beirut through their email ID cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or emergency phone number +96176860128.