What's happened
As conflict escalates between Israel and Hezbollah, countries are evacuating their nationals from Lebanon. The UK and Australia are organizing flights for citizens, while many individuals express guilt and fear over leaving loved ones behind. The situation remains dire, with ongoing bombings affecting civilians and infrastructure.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to BBC News, Isobel Taper, a UK national, expressed feelings of guilt for leaving her boyfriend and pets in Lebanon amidst the chaos. She noted that the evacuation felt rushed, with limited flights being organized by the UK government. Meanwhile, SBS reported on Marie Shebl, an Australian citizen, who described the fear of traveling to the airport due to ongoing bombings. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the urgency for Australians to leave Lebanon, highlighting the precarious situation at Beirut airport. Both sources illustrate the emotional and logistical challenges faced by evacuees, underscoring the human impact of the conflict.
How we got here
The conflict intensified following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, leading to increased Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This has prompted various nations to urge their citizens to evacuate amid fears for their safety.
More on these topics
-
Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.