The Belgian Foreign Ministry has modified its advice to Belgians that are currently in Lebanon. Since Friday morning Belgians that are in Lebanon are advised to leave the country as quickly as possible.
"Given the unpredictability of the situation, Belgians are asked to leave the country as quickly as possible. "Commercial flights are currently still available. If necessary, you can always contact the embassy in Beirut and the Foreign Affairs Department in Brussels", the revised advice reads.
The escalation of tension at Lebanon’s border with Israel is the reason for the revision of the Foreign Ministry’s advice to Belgians that are in the country.
Since Monday, all non-essential travel to Lebanon has also been discouraged. "All travel to the area south of the Litani River, a militarised area, and to the southern neighborhoods of Beirut (Haret hreik, Ghobeiri, Chiyah, Sabra, Chatila and Tarek el-Jdida) is formally discouraged”. Monday’s advice also recommended avoiding areas close to Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
"The security situation in Lebanon could deteriorate without warning. In the event of an escalation, commercial transportation means to leave the country and options for movement within the country may be limited”, the Belgian Foreign Ministry says.