Several countries organize evacuations of their citizens in Lebanon
Several countries have organized evacuations of their nationals residing in Lebanon, where the Israeli army claimed to have launched a ground operation against Hezbollah in the south of the country.
France. A French Navy ship set sail on Monday from southeastern France to position itself off the coast of Lebanon in case of the need to evacuate French citizens, the Army General Staff announced. The French amphibious helicopter carrier (PHA) will put “5 to 6 days” to reach the eastern Mediterranean area from the port of Toulon. Some 23,000 French or Franco-Lebanese are established in Lebanon.
Germany. Berlin sent a military plane to Beirut on Monday to evacuate employees of the German embassy in Lebanon and their families. Some 1,800 German citizens are registered with the crisis unit of the diplomatic representation in Lebanon.
United Kingdom. The United Kingdom announced on Monday afternoon that it had chartered a commercial flight for its citizens wishing to evacuate Lebanon. This flight will depart from Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday. British dual nationals and their immediate family members represent around 5,000 people in Lebanon.
Poland. Poland announced this Tuesday its intention to reduce the staff of its embassy in Lebanon “given the growing tension” and help “a few dozen” Polish nationals who wish to leave the country on commercial charter flights.
Bulgaria. A total of 89 Bulgarians, mostly families with children, were evacuated from Lebanon and arrived in Sofia on Monday evening. A government plane is expected to make a second flight on Tuesday. Some 400 Bulgarians live in Lebanon and so far 160 of them have said they want to be evacuated, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Shekerletova.
Portugal. Portugal already repatriated on Saturday afternoon – on a military flight, via Cyprus – 28 national citizens and their families, for a total of 44 people.
Canada. Canada announced on Monday that it had reserved 800 seats on commercial flights to help its citizens leave Lebanon. Some 45,000 Canadians are in Lebanon and the next flight is scheduled for Tuesday.
