The Israel-Hamas conflict is causing regional consequences, leading to a worsening of the security situation in Lebanon. As a result, Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strengthened the travel advisory for the area.
Through a recent press release, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry highly discouraged all non-essential travel and stays across the country. The same also advised against travel to specific regions within the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to and stay in Lebanon that is not strictly necessary.
According to the Ministry, travelling and staying within ten kilometres of the Syrian border, including towns such as Arsal and Hermel, are also strongly discouraged. At the same time, travel and stays within five kilometres of the “blue line” towards the Golan Heights are advised against.
Furthermore, the Ministry urged its citizens to refrain from travelling even to the Palestinian refugee camp Ain el Hilweh. As for the southern suburbs of Beirut (Dahiyeh), all travel is prohibited except for access to the international airport and the main road leading to it.
Due to the recent attacks by Hamas on Israel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Estonia has also strongly advised Estonian citizens against any non-essential travel to Israel. In this regard, the Ministry reaffirmed its advice against non-essential travel to Lebanon.
The same authority added that it has been in contact with 60 Estonian citizens in Israel, and 17 of them have successfully left the country.
At the same time, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing the same measures by strengthening travel advisories for both Israel and Palestine due to the deterioration of the security situation in the region.
The country has, therefore, increased its travel advice for neighbouring Lebanon. A code orange status has been issued for the area south of the capital, Beirut, stretching to the border with Israel.
It also strongly advises against non-essential travel to regions such as Southern Israel, Gaza, and parts of the occupied West Bank where violence is on the rise.
Recently, Greek authorities have also issued a warning that the recent escalation of violence between Hamas and Israel is likely to worsen the flow of migrants to Europe. The data provided by the United Nations has revealed that the Palestinians have been at the forefront of this increase.
In addition, the authorities have highlighted the possible consequences of an escalation involving Iran and worsening tensions in regions such as Lebanon, Egypt, and Libya.
