Following the explosion of hundreds of Hezbollah pagers in Lebanon and Syria, which killed nine people and wounded nearly three thousand more, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel warning for the Middle East.
An apparent uptick in hostilities between the two warring factions has led Hezbollah to accuse Israel.
A response from Israel is still pending.
Australian officials have reaffirmed their travel warning due to the worsening security situation in the region.
There has been an uptick in military activity in Lebanon, and terrorist strikes are still a possibility, thus Smarttraveller has warned Australians against going there.
People currently in the nation are being advised to “leave immediately while commercial flights remain available” because several airlines have started to delay or cancel their flights.
Additional flight delays or cancellations may be announced at the last minute.
Instead of waiting for a chosen route, Smarttraveller advised taking the first available aircraft.
“Beirut airport could close, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period.”
Even if the Australian government wanted to help you depart, they might not be able to under these conditions.
There is still a “high threat of military and terrorist attacks” in Israel, therefore Australians should think twice before going there.
“We also advise do not travel to some areas, including border areas with Lebanon,” he added.
“You should also reconsider whether you need to remain in Israel and if not, depart when it’s safe to do so.”
Citizens are advised against visiting Gaza, as well as the areas bordering it, Lebanon, and the West Bank.
“The ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East,” according to Smarttraveller.
Any location or moment can be the target of a terrorist strike.
Always be on the lookout for any threats to your safety.
Following today’s pager explosions, which injured Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon and killed an eight-year-old girl, fears are that the situation in the Middle East may worsen.
It looked like the attack was well-planned and executed.
The crisis registration system, run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is open to Australian nationals and permanent residents in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.
