The Netherlands, like many European countries, will operate evacuation flights for its nationals in Lebanon. Tensions in the region have escalated sharply in the past week, and Israel has now launched a ground offensive along the border.
Update: The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced via X. “We will actively help the Dutch to leave the country by repatriation using military resources. The Netherlands will provide military air transport in the coming days.”
Germany sent a plane to Beirut on Monday, which returned to Berlin with 110 embassy employees and their family members on board. Bulgaria also conducted an evacuation flight and picked up 89 people. The UK is sending troops to Cyprus if a large-scale evacuation is necessary From Wednesday 2 October Pacts to remove the British from Lebanon. The Netherlands has not done so yet. “This is really a last resort, only do it if you really have no other choice,” Ambassador Frank Mullen said yesterday on a radio program. With the eyes of tomorrow. The Dutch advice to leave quickly has been in effect for some time. “Go while you still can,” Mullen added. It is not clear how many Dutch people currently remain in Lebanon.
Yesterday, the European Aviation Authority (EASA) and the European Commission advised airlines to avoid the airspace of Israel and Lebanon due to the recent escalation of armed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which has led to intensified air strikes and a deteriorating security situation. The European Aviation Safety Agency urges airlines not to operate flights over these conflict areas until at least October 31, 2024, regardless of the flight altitude. Risks in the region include rocket and mortar attacks and drone operations from Lebanon, as well as Israeli air strikes, artillery fire, and the activation of air defense systems. Moreover, Israel is one on Tuesday morning Ground attack along the Lebanese border He started.