Australia urges 15,000 citizens to leave Lebanon amid escalating violence

Australia’s Foreign Ministry has issued an urgent warning to its 15,000 citizens living in Lebanon, advising them to leave the country immediately or risk being stranded if the situation deteriorates further.

This warning comes after Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon resulted in at least 72 deaths on Wednesday and Israel’s military chief Herzi Halevi hinted at a possible ground assault against Hezbollah.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that Australians should leave now, citing the risk of Beirut airport closing, which would severely limit evacuation options.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that contingency plans are in place for evacuation, including potential sea evacuations, but refrained from providing details due to national security concerns.

The situation has become complex, with Albanese acknowledging that the large number of citizens involved makes resolution challenging. Australia’s concern is heightened by the escalating tensions and potential for further violence.

Israeli attacks continued across Lebanon on Thursday amid talks of 21-day ceasefire.

As of Wednesday, 72 people were killed in the attack across Lebanon as the death toll from Israel’s bombings surpassed 620.

Reports say some 500,000 people may now have been displaced by Israel’s relentless air raids across Lebanon.