Australia has warned travelers of rising tensions from the Israel-Lebanon conflict, urging caution in the Middle East, including Türkiye and neighboring countries.
The Australian government has raised alarms for travelers heading to the Middle East due to escalating tensions from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
Alerts were disseminated on Sunday through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website, warning Australians of potential risks in several countries, including Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain.
The warnings indicate a heightened threat of attacks against Israeli interests throughout the region as the conflict intensifies.
“The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East,” the advisory stated.
Travelers are also cautioned about the likelihood of demonstrations and protests, which may escalate quickly and deteriorate local security conditions with little warning.
The government has urged Australians to avoid all such gatherings.
In addition to the rising tensions, the government noted that airspace closures, flight cancellations, and diversions could occur, significantly affecting travel plans across the region.
Since the onset of hostilities last October, Australians have been repeatedly warned against traveling to Lebanon.
Reports indicate that approximately one million individuals have been displaced due to Israeli bombardments, with over 1,000 fatalities recorded in the last two weeks, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
After the recent death of long-standing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Israel has vowed to intensify its military operations.
While Australia’s travel advisory aligns with concerns from some allies regarding the risks posed by the conflict, unlike the UK and New Zealand advisories, it uniquely highlights potential impacts on neighboring countries.
Australians currently in Israel are advised to avoid northern regions near the Lebanese border, which are currently under threat from Hezbollah strikes.
The Australian government is urging citizens in Lebanon to evacuate immediately as commercial flight options are becoming increasingly limited.
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