The UK and US governments have advised their citizens in Lebanon to evacuate immediately due to rising concerns about an imminent war between Israel and Hezbollah and the potential for a wider regional conflict.
On Saturday, Air France and low-cost carrier Transavia France announced that flights to Beirut will be suspended until at least Tuesday.
The Foreign Ministry stated that British nationals should leave the Middle Eastern country “immediately while commercial flights are still available”.
Foreign Minister David Lammy stated, “Tensions are escalating, and the situation could worsen quickly.” He continued, “Although we are working tirelessly to bolster our consular services in Lebanon, my message to British nationals is straightforward—depart immediately.”
On Saturday, concerns about a regional Middle East conflict surged after the assassination of Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, which was blamed on Israel. This event led to promises of retaliation from Iran-backed groups in the region.
Earlier this week, Israel struck a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut and has since remained silent about Haniyeh’s death.
The strike resulted in the death of a senior commander of the Lebanese militant group, which Israel had accused of a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights over the weekend.
In the Gaza conflict, these killings are among several significant incidents that have intensified regional tensions, drawing in Iran-backed militant groups from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
Secure any available ticket
The British Foreign Office announced it is “enhancing” its support for Britons in Lebanon by sending “border force, consular officials, and military personnel to the region”.
These officials will provide “extra assistance” to embassy staff, while military personnel will propose “operational aid to help British nationals”.
Given the potential disruption to exit routes due to escalating events, the Foreign Office continues to urge Britons to leave while commercial travel options are still available.
Similarly, the US embassy in Lebanon advised its citizens to leave on “any available ticket.” Despite flight suspensions and cancellations, the embassy noted that “commercial transportation options remain available” and encouraged Americans to book any available flight, even if it does not depart immediately or is not their preferred route.
Axis of defiance
As the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance” readies its response to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the United States has declared plans to send extra warships and fighter jets to the region.
This coalition, comprising groups from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, is already engaged in the prolonged Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Iran has stated that Hezbollah is expected to extend its attacks deeper into Israel. In light of these threats, the Pentagon is enhancing its military presence in the Middle East to protect US personnel and support Israel.
Flights halted
Flights to Beirut by Air France and low-cost carrier Transavia France will remain halted until at least Tuesday due to “security” concerns, according to Air France-KLM.
The suspension, which began on Monday, followed Israel’s promise of retaliation after a rocket attack from Lebanon killed 12 people in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.
A spokesman noted that any decision to resume flights will be based on further evaluations, and passengers with bookings can rebook without additional charges. Meanwhile, flights to Tel Aviv will continue as scheduled.
German carrier Lufthansa has also paused flights until August 5.
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