Like several Western nations, France cautioned its citizens, on Tuesday, October 17, advising against traveling to Lebanon due to the ongoing volatile security situation, and as certain airlines have halted their flights. Moreover, Middle East Airlines, relocated part of its fleet as a precautionary measure.
On Tuesday, France joined several Western countries in warning its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon as the security situation remains tense and as some airlines suspended flights.
Since Hamas attacked on October 7 triggering war between Israel and the Gaza-based militants, the Lebanese-Israel border has seen near daily tit-for-tat incidents involving Lebanon’s Hezbollah or Palestinian groups including Hamas.
According to a statement made by the French foreign ministry on its website, “Given security tensions in the region and particularly on Lebanon’s southern border, French travelers planning a trip to Lebanon are not advised to go there”.
On Monday, France warned Lebanese officials to avert war with Israel, and the United States has urged Hezbollah to stay out of the conflict.
Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has so far limited its cross-border attacks, but analysts say that the Iran-backed group with a powerful arsenal could open a front with Israel if it invades the Gaza Strip.
On Monday, Swiss International Air Lines stated it would suspend flights between Switzerland and Beirut until October 28 due to unrest on the border.
Germany’s Lufthansa has suspended flights until October 22, the airline’s website stated.
Middle East Airlines, Lebanon’s national carrier, relocated five of its 24 planes to Istanbul airport as a temporary “preemptive step” in light of regional developments, it said Monday.
During the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel bombed Beirut airport, Lebanon’s only international travel facility.
“Events in Lebanon are fast moving. The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning,” Britain stated in its travel advice, last updated on Monday.
“The British Embassy has temporarily withdrawn family members of staff,” the government website stated, advising “against all travel to some parts of Lebanon” including border areas and “against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon”.
On October 9, the United States issued a broad “regional security alert”, warning citizens to “take caution”.
Canada has warned its citizens to “avoid non-essential travels to Lebanon”, citing “an unpredictable security situation” and the “armed conflict with Israel”. An email sent by its embassy to its citizens in Lebanon read “If you are already there, you should consider leaving while commercial options remain available”.
Spain has also advised against non-essential travel.
On Sunday, Germany urged its nationals not to travel to Lebanon because of “an escalation of violence” following the Hamas attacks on Israel. The travel warning is at the highest level given by the German government.
Australia has advised its citizens: “‘Reconsider your need to travel’ to Lebanon due to the security situation”.
“If you wish to leave… you should consider the first available option,” it said on the Australian government’s Smartraveller website.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
