Amid increasing border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany have issued advisories to their citizens in Lebanon, urging them to make arrangements to leave the country.
The United States Embassy in Beirut released a statement, recommending that U.S. citizens in Lebanon prepare to depart, emphasizing that commercial travel options are currently available. The British embassy echoed this advice, encouraging British nationals to leave Lebanon while commercial travel options are still accessible and urging them to exercise caution.
Germany’s foreign office also issued a statement, requesting that its citizens “leave Lebanon” and warning of the potential for further escalation of border clashes. German nationals were advised to use existing commercial travel options for a safe exit.
Tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border have heightened due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following Hamas’s large-scale assault on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in a significant number of casualties. Cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has continued, leading to casualties on both sides.
Additionally, France, Canada, Australia, and Spain have also cautioned against travel to Lebanon, considering the volatile situation.
Meanwhile, the United States has issued a rare “worldwide caution” advisory for its citizens, citing the potential for anti-American demonstrations and terrorism worldwide. The advisory underscores the need for U.S. citizens to be aware of increased tensions in various locations globally, which could lead to terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violence against U.S. citizens and interests.
In response to the escalating tensions, Israel has recalled its diplomats from Turkey as a security precaution. The Israeli National Security Council has called on all Israelis in Turkey to leave as soon as possible due to growing “terrorist threats” against Israelis abroad.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and a humanitarian crisis. Xi made these remarks during a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in Beijing. China is prepared to collaborate with Egypt and Arab nations to work towards a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access” to Gaza as Israel continued its retaliatory actions. Guterres stressed the immediate need for essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and fuel, to reach Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. He also called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths estimated that around 100 trucks per day were required to meet the humanitarian needs in Gaza as calls for aid to reach the territory intensified.