The United States and United Kingdom governments have urged their citizens to exit Lebanon using “any ticket available,” due to concerns over a potential all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and a wider regional conflict.
According to news agency AFP, the US Embassy in Lebanon stated that despite some airlines halting operations in the country, flights are still available, and citizens should book any available flight to leave the nation.
“US Embassy Beirut notes several airlines have suspended or cancelled flights, and many flights have sold out; however, commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available. We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route,” the US Embassy in Beirut said.
U.S. Embassy Beirut notes several airlines have suspended or cancelled flights, and many flights have sold out; however, commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available. We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even…
— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) August 3, 2024
Simultaneously, the UK government has advised all British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately.
“Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly,” stated British Foreign Minister David Lammy.
“While we are working tirelessly to enhance our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear—leave now,” he added, according to news agency AFP.
Besides the US and UK, several other countries have also issued advisories, urging their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible.
The Middle East tensions, already strained due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since October 7 last year, escalated further after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and a senior Hezbollah leader based in Lebanon.
These killings have heightened concerns that the 10-month-old war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas could expand into a broader Middle East conflict.
