'Now is the time to leave': India, Australia & Canada issue travel advisories amid brewing tensions in Lebanon

Amid the brewing tensions in the Middle East, the Indian embassy in Lebanon issued a travel advisory urging Indian nationals to limit their movements. The advisory came days after the Israel Defence Force (IDF) confirmed that they conducted strikes against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The statement from the Indian consulate also came a day after Hamas’ political head Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran, raising concerns over wider conflict in the Middle East. In the statement, the Indian consulate asked nationals to avoid any sort of ’non-essential travel’ to Lebanon.

Advisory for Indian Nationals. pic.twitter.com/baGPhNpKip

— India in Lebanon (Embassy of India, Beirut) (@IndiaInLebanon) July 31, 2024

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“In view of the recent escalations in the region, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Lebanon,” the Embassy said in a statement. “All Indian nationals in Lebanon are advised to exercise caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128,” the statement further reads.

Australia and Canada issue similar warning

Amid the chaos, Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a video message urging people in Lebanon to get out as soon as possible. “My message to Australian citizens and residents in Lebanon is: now is the time to leave. If you are in Australia and thinking of travelling to Lebanon – do not,” the foreign minister said.

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My message to Australian citizens and residents in Lebanon is now is the time to leave. pic.twitter.com/74DNfh1UNz

— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) July 31, 2024

“Some commercial flights are still operating. If you can leave, you should.” The Australian government is expecting the Beirut airport to shut down if the ongoing tensions persist.

Meanwhile, Charlotte MacLeod, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, also stressed Canadians should leave the country now, while airports are still open.

“Global Affairs Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to the deteriorating security situation, the continued risk of terrorist attacks, and the ongoing armed conflict with Israel,” she said in an email to Canadians registered in Lebanon, Global News reported.

“Canadians in Lebanon should leave now by commercial means if they can do so safely. They should also ensure their travel documents, and those of their spouse and children, are up to date and secure," she furthered.

In the Lebanon attack, Israel claimed that it had killed 0one of Hezbollah’s top commanders. Many news outlets claimed that the Israeli authorities killed Fuad Shukr in the strikes.