As the turmoil in the Middle East rises, Australians have been alerted to exercise great caution, specifically avoiding Lebanon. The announcement, issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, surfaced on their Smart Traveller website this past Thursday.
The update reads, “Our advice for travel to Lebanon has been revised due to the increasingly uncertain security conditions, alongside the risk of these conditions worsening. We strongly advise against travel to the region.”
The advice further recommends that any Australians presently in Lebanon should seek to leave as promptly as feasible, using the earliest available commercial option. It also cautions that airport services may be abruptly halted due to ramped-up security concerns.
The warning specifies that terrorist attacks can transpire unexpectedly in any location, including Beirut.
Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, is currently witnessing waves of protests following the aftermath of a rocket explosion at Gaza’s al-Ahli Arab Hospital on Wednesday morning.
The Israeli Defence Force has since produced tangible proof linking the rocket’s origin to a misfire by the Islamic Jihad, a militant group. Israel, which was invaded by the terrorist organisation Hamas on October 7, has been wrongfully accused of causing the rocket explosion.
South Lebanon, which borders the north of Israel, is predominantly controlled by the terrorist organization Hezbollah. In previous spats with Israel, the group has reportedly launched rockets into the Jewish state.
Close to 90,000 Australians with Lebanese lineage may be affected by the escalating unrest in the country. Hence, the alert to avoid all travels to Lebanon underscores the importance and urgency in ensuring the safety of every Australian citizen.
