In response to the escalating security situation in Lebanon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a critical advisory to its citizens, urging them to leave Lebanese territory promptly. The official statement was disseminated via X, formerly known as Twitter, by the Saudi embassy in Lebanon.
The embassy emphasized the gravity of the ongoing armed conflicts in certain regions of Lebanon and warned its citizens to steer clear of these areas for their safety. The advisory also reiterated the importance of adhering to the Saudi travel ban to Lebanon until further notice. The primary concern of the Kingdom is to ensure the security and well-being of all its citizens during this tense period.
To provide necessary assistance and support, the embassy furnished emergency contact numbers for Saudi citizens in case of any unforeseen emergencies. The numbers are as follows: 009611762711 and 009611762722. This measure aims to offer immediate aid to those in need and facilitate the evacuation process.
The urgency of the situation has also caught the attention of other nations, such as the United Kingdom. On August 1, the UK updated its travel advice for Lebanon, cautioning against “all but essential travel” to specific areas in the country’s south, particularly in proximity to the Palestinian camp of Ein el-Hilweh.
The Palestinian camp of Ein el-Hilweh has recently been a focal point of violent clashes. On July 29, a fierce confrontation erupted between the mainstream faction Fatah and hardline extremists, resulting in the death of at least 13 individuals, most of whom were militants. The situation in the camp remains tense and unpredictable, adding further concerns to the already fragile security landscape.
Ein el-Hilweh is the largest of the 12 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, housing an estimated 80,000 refugees out of the approximately 250,000 Palestinian refugees residing throughout the country, according to the United Nations’ agency for refugees from Palestine.
Amidst the escalating tensions and risks posed by the armed conflicts in Lebanon, it is imperative for Saudi citizens to heed the advisory issued by their government and promptly evacuate the country. Safety and security are of paramount importance during these trying times, and cooperation with official guidance will help ensure the well-being of all involved.