Escalating Conflict: Israel's Intensified Attacks on Lebanon Prompt Global Evacuations
The Israeli army has launched its broadest and most violent offensive against Lebanon since the onset of hostilities with Hezbollah a year ago, leading to a significant rise in casualties and prompting urgent evacuation calls from several nations. The latest military actions began on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 558 individuals and injuring over 1,835, including many women and children, according to unofficial reports.
In light of the escalating violence, the United States, Australia, South Korea, and Canada have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized the urgency of the situation during an interview with ABC News, stating, "We want to emphasize that there are still commercial options available for Americans to leave, and they should leave now while those options are available." This call to action reflects the growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Similarly, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed these sentiments, advising Australian citizens to evacuate promptly before air traffic ceases. She revealed that the number of Australians in Lebanon surpasses the government's capacity for evacuation, highlighting the urgency of the situation without disclosing specific figures.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also urged Canadians to leave Lebanon at once, warning of the region's instability and potential for further escalation. She cautioned those considering travel to Lebanon that now is not the time, stressing the need for urgent measures to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon to avert a humanitarian disaster.
South Korea is preparing to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon and Israel amid the rising tensions. Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun confirmed that the government is closely monitoring developments and has evacuation plans in place.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended its flights to Israel due to safety concerns. The airline announced that flights between Baku and Tel Aviv would be halted until further notice, reflecting the broader impact of the escalating violence on international travel.
Since October 8, the situation along the Blue Line has deteriorated, with daily exchanges of shelling between the Israeli army and Lebanese factions, primarily Hezbollah. These confrontations have resulted in significant casualties, with the majority on the Lebanese side, as these factions demand an end to the ongoing war in Gaza, which has claimed over 137,000 Palestinian lives since October 7, with countless others injured or missing amid widespread destruction and famine.
