Canada, other Western countries urge citizens to leave Lebanon immediately – National
Canada is on a growing list of Western governments urging their citizens to leave the country Lebanon or avoid going there, as fears grow about escalating tensions between Israel And Hezbollah could degenerate into war.
“There are no ongoing evacuation operations for Canadians currently in Lebanon and you should not rely on the Government of Canada for future assisted departures or evacuations,” Global Affairs Canada said in an email to Canadians registered with the Lebanon.
The United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany have also issued travel warnings, while several European airlines including Lufthansa, Air France and Eurowings have cancelled flights to Beirut International Airport.
“In light of the recent escalation of hostilities, we remind all Canadians in Lebanon of our ongoing commitment Travel Tips “Flights from Beirut airport are scheduled to depart Lebanon while some commercial flights are still available. Some airlines have already temporarily suspended service to Beirut airport. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice,” Global Affairs Canada said.
Lebanon is bracing for retaliation from Israel after a deadly missile strike over the weekend.
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A rocket hit a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teenagers.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of carrying out the strike, which the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group denies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack, a price it has not yet paid.”
The deaths have heightened fears that months of conflict in the border region could escalate into a wider regional war, as fighting in Gaza continues to rage.
Senior negotiators from Israel, the United States, Qatar and Egypt met in Rome over the weekend to try to revive a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.
At the same time, a frantic diplomatic campaign is underway to try to avoid a deeper conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
On Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the situation “very worrying” and urged “all parties to proceed with caution.”
The day before, White House spokesman John Kirby had condemned the strike and called for diplomacy.
“We certainly do not believe that, as horrific as this attack was over the weekend, it should lead to any escalation or risk of a larger war,” Kirby said.
“No nation can tolerate threats as serious as those facing the Israelis. At the same time, we believe that there is still time and opportunity to find a diplomatic solution,” he added.
— with files from the Associated Press
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