Britain urges citizens to leave Lebanon as border tensions rise

The US and British embassies in Beirut on Thursday advised citizens to leave Lebanon while flights “remain available” as border tensions escalated between Israel and Hezbollah over Israel’s war with Hamas. Both countries had already warned citizens against traveling to Lebanon.

A statement from the US Embassy said, “We recommend that US citizens in Lebanon make appropriate arrangements to leave the country; Commercial options are currently available.”

A similar warning was issued by the British Embassy which said: “If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options are available.”

“British citizens should exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations may take place,” it said.

Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions have been firing daily from across the border with Israel after Hamas launched a massive attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians.