US and UK Embassies Issue Urgent Advisory for Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions
Amidst mounting tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States and United Kingdom embassies in Beirut have issued advisories urging their citizens to evacuate Lebanon. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked further border tensions, prompting concerns for the safety and security of foreign nationals in the region.
The US embassy has called on American citizens to make immediate arrangements to leave the country, highlighting the fact that commercial options are still accessible at present. Similarly, the British embassy is urging its nationals currently in Lebanon to depart without delay while commercial means of transportation remain viable. Additionally, British citizens are advised to exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations may occur.
The ongoing hostilities involving Hezbollah, Palestinian factions, and Israel have led to daily cross-border exchanges of fire. The conflict was initiated by a major assault on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, resulting in a devastating loss of life, primarily among civilians, with over 1,400 casualties. In response, Israel launched relentless airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, leading to an estimated death toll of at least 3,500, predominantly civilians.
In light of the precarious security situation resulting from the Israel-Hamas war, the US State Department has escalated the travel advisory level for Lebanon to the highest possible alert, level four. Non-essential embassy personnel and their families have been authorized to leave the country due to the unpredictable nature of the conflict.
Several Arab and Western countries, including France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, have already urged their citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon or to depart immediately. The situation in Lebanon has progressively intensified, with reports of 21 casualties, including civilians and a Reuters journalist.
Protests have erupted in Beirut and its suburbs since Tuesday, reflecting similar demonstrations taking place in various Arab capitals. The protests are in response to an explosion at Gaza’s Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which Hamas attributes to Israel. Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that the blast may have resulted from a misfired rocket launched by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Israel remains resolute in dismantling Hamas, targeting active areas in Gaza while striving to minimize harm to civilians. The conflict has been characterized by severe violence, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages. As tensions escalate, the safety and well-being of individuals in Lebanon are paramount concerns, prompting various embassies to issue evacuation advisories.
