Turkey evacuates citizens from Beirut amid Israel-Hezbollah conflict
2024-10-11 13:35- The evacuation operation in Beirut involved over 2,000 Turkish citizens and some foreign nationals boarding a military ship due to fears for their safety.
- The Turkish government is providing humanitarian aid while ensuring the safe return of its citizens amid escalating violence from Israeli airstrikes.
- The ongoing conflict has led to over 1,300 deaths and more than a million displaced in Lebanon, highlighting the urgent need for such evacuations.
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In Beirut, over 2,000 Turkish citizens and some foreign nationals began evacuating on a Turkish military ship amid escalating violence from Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. The evacuation operation was prompted by fears for safety as the conflict intensified, with many evacuees expressing a desire to leave Lebanon immediately. Turkish officials emphasized the dual purpose of the operation: providing humanitarian aid to Lebanon and ensuring the safe return of Turkish citizens. The Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon highlighted the severe impact of Israel's actions on the Lebanese population, reinforcing Turkey's commitment to assist its citizens in distress. The journey back to Turkey is expected to take around 10 hours, and the government is considering additional evacuations and charter flights if necessary. The conflict, which escalated following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon, with over 1,300 reported dead and more than a million displaced since mid-September. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vocally criticized Israel's actions, asserting Turkey's capability to counter any perceived threats from Israel, further complicating the regional dynamics.
Contexts
The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated dramatically since the onset of the war on Gaza last October. Reports from Beirut indicate that the situation has devolved into a full-scale war, with significant casualties on both sides. The recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders, have intensified the violence. As Israel continues to target Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon, the civilian population bears the brunt of the conflict, with thousands injured and displaced. Since October 8, Hezbollah has launched retaliatory attacks against Israel, aiming to deter its military actions in Gaza, which have claimed over 41,500 lives. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that 97,000 people have been forced from their homes, with at least 566 fatalities, including 133 civilians. Meanwhile, approximately 60,000 Israelis have evacuated from northern border regions, highlighting the widespread impact of the hostilities. The history of the Israeli-Lebanese conflict is marked by cycles of violence, with Hezbollah's rise to power in the 1980s and its subsequent political involvement in Lebanon. The group has consistently challenged Israeli military operations, leading to significant confrontations, including the devastating Qana Massacre in 1996. The international community has repeatedly called for ceasefires, yet the underlying tensions remain unresolved, with both parties continuing to engage in hostilities. As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The need for a lasting resolution is more urgent than ever, as both Lebanon and Israel grapple with the consequences of their protracted struggle, leaving countless lives shattered in the wake of war.
