Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has advised all Australians currently in Lebanon to leave the country immediately. This advice comes amidst increasing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, leading to heightened concerns over the security situation in the region.
In a statement on Tuesday, Albanese emphasised the government's strong recommendation for Australians to avoid travelling to Lebanon at this time. "The travel advice very clearly is don’t go to Lebanon," he told reporters. He stressed that Australian citizens already in Lebanon should take advantage of available commercial flights to exit the country as soon as possible.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) Smartraveller service echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, issuing a renewed warning against travel to Lebanon. The advisory highlighted the rapidly deteriorating security situation and urged Australians to leave immediately, cautioning that further escalation could occur with little or no notice.
Several airlines have already suspended flights to and from Beirut due to the volatile conditions. This has further complicated the situation for those attempting to leave the country. "This is a troubling area. We have been issuing these travel warnings for many months now, and it is important that people are cognisant of those warnings," Albanese said.
The situation in Lebanon has been a cause for concern for many months. The government's advisories reflect an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of Australians abroad. With the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah showing no signs of abating, the urgency of the government's message has only intensified.
The Australian census of 2021 reported that over 248,000 Australians have Lebanese ancestry, including 87,343 individuals who were born in Lebanon. According to DFAT, approximately 15,000 Australians usually reside in Lebanon, making the current advisory particularly significant for a substantial community.
Given the increasing instability, the Australian government has made it clear that the safety of its citizens is a top priority. They continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary to ensure that those in Lebanon are informed of the best course of action.
As the situation develops, Australian officials remain committed to assisting their citizens in navigating these challenging circumstances. The government’s advisories aim to provide clear guidance and support to those affected by the ongoing conflict. The emphasis remains on ensuring that Australians can leave Lebanon safely and promptly to avoid potential harm.
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