Australia tells thousands of its citizens to leave Lebanon

26/9/2024 11:58

        Australia has urged an estimated 15,000 of its citizens living in Lebanon to leave, flagging a risk Beirut airport may close and the difficulty of evacuating large numbers if the situation worsens.
        
        Israel widened its airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday and at least 72 people were killed, and Israel's military chief said a ground assault was possible. Britain is moving troops to Cyprus, joining two Royal Navy ships already there, to be in a position to help evacuate nationals trapped in Lebanon.
        
        Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government had made contingency plans that could include evacuations by water, but declined to give details.
        
        Foreign Minister Penny Wong told reporters in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly there is a risk Beirut airport may close for an extended period, and Australians should leave now. Wong said she had met with her British counterpart and discussed the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
        
        According to Australia's foreign ministry, around 15,000 Australians live in Lebanon.