Several countries have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately as fears grow that war in the Middle East may escalate following Israel’s assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.
The United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, France, Canada, and Jordan have warned citizens to board the next available flight.
Iran has vowed retaliation against Israel for the assassination and many believe that Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which is backed by Tehran, will play a major role in any such retaliation, which will naturally trigger a heavy Israeli response.
Haniyeh’s assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets in northern Israel on Sunday, however, Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system intercepted the rocket, with no reports of casualties. Israel’s air force responded by striking targets in southern Lebanon.
Reports say several airlines have suspended and cancelled flights, and many have sold out.
The US Military said it was sending additional warships and fighter jets to the region to help defend Israel from any potential attacks by Iran and its proxies. Two British military ships are already in the region and the Royal Air Force has put transport helicopters on standby.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israelis that “challenging days lie ahead; we have heard threats from all sides and are prepared for any scenario”.