Written By Lisa Murimi
In response to escalating violence in the Middle East, several countries have urged their citizens to evacuate Lebanon. This warning follows heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iran has promised severe retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has yet to comment on the incident.
The assassination occurred shortly after Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, has vowed retaliation, raising concerns of a severe Israeli response.
This latest escalation follows Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel and Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
Western nations, including the US, UK, and Australia, are advising their nationals to leave Lebanon as flights from Beirut’s commercial airport face cancellations.
The US embassy has advised those remaining to prepare for extended sheltering.
The Pentagon has increased its military presence in the region, while the UK is sending additional personnel to assist with evacuations.
As tensions mount, diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further conflict and address the ongoing violence, which began with a large-scale Hamas attack on Israel in October.
