With a potential full-scale war looming in Lebanon, Western nations are scrambling to prepare evacuation plans for their citizens, eyeing Cyprus and Turkey as potential safe havens.
As ceasefire talks falter and Israel intensifies strikes on Beirut, concerns are mounting over the safety of tens of thousands of foreigners in Lebanon. The situation echoes the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war, which saw Cyprus play a crucial role in evacuating approximately 60,000 people.
Cyprus, the closest EU member state to Lebanon, has confirmed its readiness to act as a hub for evacuation efforts. President Nikos Christodoulides affirmed their commitment, stating, “We are ready to play this role… We did it back in 2006, and we are ready to do it again.”
Major Western powers, including the US, France, Britain, and Germany, have thousands of citizens in Lebanon and have been collaborating with Cyprus on contingency plans for months.
While no evacuation orders have been issued, preparations are intensifying. These include:
- Cyprus: Utilizing British military bases on the island for logistical support. Britain has already deployed troops to Cyprus and positioned naval vessels in the region.
- Turkey: Establishing a potential sea route from Tripoli in Lebanon to Mersin in southern Turkey, a viable option should Lebanese airports become inaccessible.
Challenges remain in executing a swift and large-scale evacuation. These include:
- Reluctance of Lebanese citizens and dual nationals to leave, despite travel advisories urging departure.
- Limited airlift capacity from Cyprus, potentially causing delays in transporting evacuees to their home countries.
- The potential for a chaotic and dangerous situation on the ground, should Israel launch a ground invasion and Hezbollah retaliate with missiles.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the urgency for a ceasefire growing by the hour.
While diplomatic efforts continue, Western governments are prioritizing the safety of their citizens, preparing for a worst-case scenario that could see a mass exodus from Lebanon.