The US embassy in Beirut has issued a stark warning to its citizens, urging them to leave Lebanon on “any ticket available” as tensions in the Middle East reach a boiling point. This advisory comes in the wake of escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, with Iran vowing “severe” retaliation against Israel for the recent deaths of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.
In response to these threats, the UK and Jordan have also advised their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, while Canada has warned against travel to both Lebanon and Israel due to the volatile situation in the region. The Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional warships and fighter jets to help defend Israel from potential attacks by Iran and its proxies.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, at least 17 people were killed in a school that was reportedly being used as a command center for militants, according to Hamas-run authorities. Israeli ministers have been equipped with satellite phones in case of an attack on the country’s communication infrastructure, as tensions continue to escalate.
With fears of further retaliation and violence looming, world leaders are on high alert. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of “challenging days ahead” and stated that Israel is prepared for any scenario. The situation remains tense as Iran threatens to use its “inherent and legitimate right” to punish Israel, setting the stage for potential conflict in the region.
As the international community braces for what could be a significant escalation in hostilities, the safety and security of citizens in the Middle East remain a top priority for governments and diplomatic missions. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
