Foreign Office: No one should expect easy evacuation from Lebanon
In the Middle East, a major attack by Iran and its affiliated Hezbollah militia in Lebanon on Israel has been feared for days. The background to this is the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah in Tehran and the highest-ranking Hezbollah commander Fuad Schukr in Lebanon.
The Foreign Office warns that one should not rely on a smooth evacuation from Lebanon and advises Germans to use the remaining exit options immediately. Commercial offers are still available to reach Germany indirectly. The Foreign Office continues to urge all Germans in Lebanon to leave the country and register on the crisis preparedness list.
The situation in Lebanon today is different from the last evacuation in 2006, with many of the previous escape routes no longer or only partially usable. In 2006, a large-scale, internationally coordinated evacuation operation was carried out for foreign citizens due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The German government brought thousands of people back to Germany at that time.
At the meeting of the crisis staff on Tuesday, it was about further preparatory measures in case of a deterioration of the situation. The crisis staff is prepared for different developments and is ready to act at any time. In particular, the ministries of defense and foreign affairs are closely coordinated.
"The Middle East stands once again at a crossroads," writes Foreign Minister Baerbock on the online service X. "I urgently appeal to all parties in the region to leave the path of further escalation. There is still a chance to change course. Escalation is not inevitable."
The chance for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, the release of hostages, and the alleviation of the suffering of the population must not be missed, the foreign minister continues. "All efforts must focus on this. This would also contribute to regional de-escalation."
Given the current escalating tensions in the Middle East and the threats posed by Iran and Hezbollah, the German government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens residing in Lebanon. Due to the volatile situation, Germans are encouraged to utilize the remaining exit options to return to Germany as soon as possible.
