The governments of the United States and the United Kingdom have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, citing fears of a potential all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and a broader regional conflict.
The US Embassy in Lebanon stated that while some airlines have suspended operations, flights are still available, and citizens should book any available flight to leave the country, as reported by AFP.
“US Embassy Beirut notes several airlines have suspended or canceled flights, and many flights have sold out; however, commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available. We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route,” the US Embassy in Beirut announced.
Similarly, the UK government has advised all British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately.
“Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly,” British Foreign Minister David Lammy said in a statement.
“While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now,” he added, according to AFP.
Besides the US and the UK, several other countries have also issued advisories for their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible.
Tensions in the Middle East, already high due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since October 7 last year, further escalated following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and a senior Hezbollah leader in Lebanon.
These assassinations have heightened concerns that the 10-month-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a broader Middle East conflict.
Current Developments in the Middle East
– Iran announced on Saturday that Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran by a “short-range projectile” launched from outside his residence.
– Iran’s Revolutionary Guards accused Israel of orchestrating the assassination and the United States of supporting Israel. They warned of severe retaliation against Israel at an appropriate time and place.
– Iran’s mission to the United Nations indicated that Lebanon’s Hezbollah might strike deeper into Israel, extending beyond military targets.
– Israel reported killing nine Palestinian militants in two separate airstrikes in Tulkarem, northern West Bank, including a local commander.
– The United States announced the deployment of additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East, following threats from Iran and its allies Hamas and Hezbollah, according to Reuters. The US has urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave on any available flight, AFP reported.
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– The Pentagon confirmed that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved sending additional Navy cruisers and destroyers to the Middle East and Europe, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
– Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized that escalation is not seen as inevitable and stressed the importance of pursuing a ceasefire.
– US President Joe Biden expressed deep concern over the potential escalation of violence in the Middle East and acknowledged that the killing of a top Hamas leader in Iran has hindered ceasefire negotiations in the Israel-Hamas war.
– India has advised its nationals in Israel to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols amid rising tensions. The Indian Mission in Israel instructed Indians to stay close to safety shelters, assuring them of the embassy’s close monitoring of the situation.
– On Thursday, the Indian embassy in Lebanon strongly urged its nationals to leave the country. Air India also temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv until August 8.
These developments underscore the volatile situation in the Middle East, prompting multiple governments to prioritize the safety of their citizens.
