Amid the rising tensions in the Middle East, Russia has advised its citizens against traveling to Jordan, as reported by Jordanian news agency, Ammon. Concurrently, Belgium’s foreign affairs department has urged its nationals to expedite their departure from Lebanon, in light of the deteriorating security scenario in Israel and Gaza.
According to sources from the Middle Eastern news outlet, Al-Sharq, Russia has similarly issued travel advisories for its citizens against visiting Israel, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories. This series of announcements amplifies concerns over the spiraling geopolitical strains in the region.
On Friday, the Dutch government joined in sounding the alarm, cautioning its residents against venturing to Lebanon. They further impelled those already in the country to “depart Lebanon at the earliest possible opportunity,” echoing advisories issued by other European nations for their respective nationals.
In a released statement, the German government expressed concerns about the unpredictable developments between Israel and the Palestinian territories, highlighting the escalating tensions in Lebanon. The German advisory specifically requested its citizens to “exit Lebanon,” warning that border skirmishes “can escalate further at any moment.” The government also recommended using current commercial travel options for a safe exit.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom have also underscored the urgency for their citizens to leave Lebanon, particularly in light of potential flare-ups between Israel and Hezbollah, which could be exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. A statement from the US Embassy in Beirut stresses: “We recommend US citizens in Lebanon make the necessary arrangements to depart the country. Commercial options remain available currently.” Similarly, the UK embassy issued a parallel warning, encouraging those currently in Lebanon to “depart now while options remain,” and to “exercise caution.”
Amplifying the gravity of the situation, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported relentless Israeli strikes on Gaza have resulted in the unfortunate death of at least 3,700 individuals, predominantly civilians. Furthermore, other nations, including France, Canada, Australia, and Spain, have sounded alarms against traveling to Lebanon. According to reports, cross-border fire in Lebanon has claimed at least 21 lives, primarily combatants, but also including three civilians, one of whom was a Reuters journalist, while at least three individuals lost their lives on the Israeli side.
