Lammy urges Britons to leave Lebanon amid escalating tensions
Foreign Secretary warns of rapid deterioration, advises British nationals to leave.
David Lammy has urged British nationals to leave Lebanon, warning that the “situation could deteriorate rapidly.” The Foreign Secretary expressed his deep concern over escalating tensions and civilian casualties during a conversation with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
This follows Israel’s announcement that its warplanes struck southern Lebanon overnight, causing sonic booms in Beirut. Hezbollah’s leader condemned the Israeli attacks, which destroyed the group’s radios and pagers, calling them a violation of all red lines.
In a social media post, Lammy advised British nationals to leave Lebanon while commercial options are still available, citing the high tensions and potential for rapid deterioration. The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon.
British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon as quickly as possible as fears that the war in the Middle East is escalating.
The Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned that the situation in Lebanon could 'deteriorate rapidly.' pic.twitter.com/IN3HLstNhz
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) September 20, 2024
Lammy discussed the need for a negotiated solution to restore stability and security across the Blue Line with Mikati. The Blue Line, established by the United Nations in 2000, separates Israel from southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah and Lebanon have blamed Israel for attacks on communications equipment, resulting in 37 deaths and around 3,000 injuries. The assaults overwhelmed Lebanese hospitals and caused significant damage to the militant group.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah described the attacks as a major and unprecedented blow to the resistance and Lebanon. He suggested the attacks could be considered war crimes or a declaration of war, accusing the enemy of exceeding all controls, laws, and morals.
Israel has not directly commented on the attacks, which are believed to have been carried out by its Mossad spy agency. The situation has raised fears of a potential all-out war between Lebanon and Israel, spreading across the Middle East. Tensions in the region have been particularly high since the October 7 terror attacks on Israel by Hamas, which led to Israel waging war against militants in Gaza.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Standard: Foreign Secretary David Lammy urges British nationals to leave Lebanon immediately due to escalating tensions and potential conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. (Read more)
- Express.co.uk reports UK citizens in Lebanon are urged to leave immediately due to rising tensions and potential war, with the situation potentially deteriorating rapidly and escalating violence between Hezbollah and Israel. (Read more)
- Ynetnews reports that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy urges British nationals in Lebanon to leave due to heightened tensions and potential rapid deterioration of the situation. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is David Lammy urging British nationals to leave Lebanon?
Due to rising tensions and the potential for rapid deterioration of the situation.
What did David Lammy discuss with Lebanon’s PM Najib Mikati?
They discussed the need for a negotiated solution to restore stability and security across the Blue Line.
What recent event has heightened tensions between Lebanon and Israel?
Israeli warplanes struck southern Lebanon, causing sonic booms in Beirut and escalating tensions.
How has Hezbollah reacted to the Israeli attacks?
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned the attacks as crossing all red lines and potentially constituting war crimes.
What is the ‘Blue Line’ mentioned in the context of Lebanon and Israel?
The ‘Blue Line’ is a boundary drawn by the United Nations in 2000 to separate Israel from south.
