Several countries, including the US and the UK, issued travel advisories to citizens traveling to Lebanon on Wednesday amid rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel. Earlier on Wednesday, there was an alleged cross firing on the border of the two countries. Lebanon is a strong supporter of the pro-Palestinian cause and has been engaged in clashes with Israel since October 7 when Israel attacked Gaza following an attack on Israel by Hamas, leading to full-scale war in the region. As a result of recent shootings, fears of a regional war are more prevalent.
Moreover, Lebanon is also witnessing civil unrest against Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip. Earlier on June 26, hundreds of protesters stormed Beirut following an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City. The Palestinian Ministry of Health, which is controlled by Hamas, said hundreds of people were killed in the explosion.
Here is a list of countries that have issued travel advisories for Lebanon.
-Australia: Advised individuals to “reconsider your need to travel” due to the current security environment.
-Canada: Advised individuals to avoid non-essential travel due to the “unpredictable security situation” and the increased risk of terrorist attacks and armed conflict with Israel.
-France: Advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel due to the tense security situation, particularly on Lebanon’s southern border.
-Germany: Urged citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, citing highly unstable security in the region following Hamas attacks on Israel.
-Norway: All travel to Lebanon has been advised against due to the serious security situation in the region.
-Saudi Arabia: Advised citizens to comply with the travel ban and those currently in Lebanon to leave immediately.
-United Kingdom: Advised citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon and to leave now until commercial options are available.
-United States: Advised citizens to avoid all travel and allowed the temporary departure of some personnel from the US Embassy in Beirut due to an unpredictable security situation.
