Australians in Lebanon have been told to leave urgently by Foreign Minister Penny Wong as tensions rise in the Middle East.
Wong issued a video statement on Wednesday night urging Aussies to leave Lebanon while some commercial flights are still operating.
It comes after Hamas’ political chief, Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran and a top Hezbollah commander was killed in Lebanon, sparking worries of an all-out war in the Middle East.
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Wong said now is the time to leave, and Australians thinking of travelling to Lebanon should not go.
“There is a real risk that the conflict in the region escalates seriously,” Wong said.
“The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice.”
“Some commercial flights are still operating…if you can leave, you should.
“Beirut Airport could close completely if the situation worsens.
“And if that happens, the government may not be able to help Australians still in Lebanon to evacuate.
“You may not be able to leave Lebanon for an extended period.
“But now is not the time for Australians in the region to wait and see what happens…now is the time to leave.”
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Wong also said she shares the concerns of the Lebanese Australian community and said the government is “working with partners in the region” to de-escalate the situation.
This is the second warning issued in two days for Australians to leave the region, with the federal government website Smart Traveller issuing similar advice two days ago.
“The security situation could deteriorate rapidly throughout Lebanon with little or no notice,” the government’s Smart Traveller website said on Tuesday.
“Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice.”
The United Nations Council held an emergency meeting this morning after the airstrike killings.
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