Wed Sep 25 09:31:31 UTC 2024: ## Lebanon on the Brink: Australia Urges Citizens to Flee as Israeli Strikes Kill Hundreds

**New York, USA:** Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Australia has issued its strongest warning yet to its citizens in Lebanon, urging them to leave the country immediately. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has warned that Lebanon is at risk of becoming “the next Gaza,” following two days of intense Israeli air strikes that have resulted in over 560 deaths, including 50 children.

Senator Wong, currently attending UN talks in New York, expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on women and children. She called for immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Israeli military has launched hundreds of air strikes since Monday, targeting Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim militant group considered a terrorist organization by Australia and the United States. While Israel claims to be targeting Hezbollah military infrastructure, the attacks have resulted in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

The UN Security Council will meet urgently to discuss the crisis. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the world cannot afford for Lebanon to become another Gaza, where thousands have perished in recent months. He has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

Australia has issued a “do not travel” advisory for Lebanon since the Hamas attack on Israel in October. The government estimates there are at least 15,000 Australians in Lebanon, but the real number could be much higher. Senator Wong has urged Australians in Lebanon to leave the country by any means possible, emphasizing the potential for further escalation and the risk to civilians.

In the wake of the conflict, Australia plans to call for a new international declaration to protect humanitarian personnel, following the death of an Australian aid worker in Gaza earlier this year.

The situation in Lebanon is rapidly deteriorating, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict. The international community is closely watching the developments, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

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