July 30, 2024
2 mins read

UK urges its citizens to leave Lebanon

Netanyahu blamed Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group for the rocket, which struck a football field in Majdal Shams. Unusually, Hezbollah has denied having any role in the attack…reports Asian Lite News

Britons have been urged to leave Lebanon and avoid travel to the country as tensions soar in the Middle East. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said events were “fast moving” and Foreign Office staff were working “round the clock” to help ensure the safety of UK citizens.

It came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed heavy retaliation would follow a strike in the Israel-occupied Golan Heights which killed 12 children.

Netanyahu blamed Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group for the rocket, which struck a football field in Majdal Shams. Unusually, Hezbollah has denied having any role in the attack.

Visiting the site of the attack, Netanyahu said: “The state of Israel will not and cannot overlook this. Our response will come, and it will be severe.”

Around 300 mourners protested against Mr Netanyahu’s visit, accusing him of exploiting the bloodshed for political gain and calling for an end to the violence.

Early on Monday Israeli strikes hit a motorcycle in Lebanon near the border, killing two people and wounding three others, according to Lebanese state media. Earlier in the day Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant also visited the town, warning Hezbollah would “pay a price” for the attack. “We will let actions speak for themselves,” he said.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October, though the rhetoric following the latest strike raised fears the attacks could spiral into a full-fledged war. Israel’s security cabinet has authorised Netanyahu and Gallant to decide on the manner and timing of the response to the strike.

The response would be “limited but significant,” Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper quoted unidentified officials as saying. The report said options ranged from a limited attack on infrastructure such as bridges, power plants and ports, to hitting Hezbollah arms depots or targeting the group’s commanders.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and emphasised the “importance of preventing escalation” and discussing efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to months of conflict. Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria after the 1967 war and has since annexed it, though the move is not generally recognised internationally.

Since October Israeli strikes have killed around 350 Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and more than 100 civilians, according to a Reuters tally of Hezbollah death notifications. Israel says 23 civilians and at least 17 soldiers have been killed in Hezbollah attacks since then.

ALSO READ-Indian Embassy Issues Lebanon Travel Advisory

Previous Story

Reeves drops tax bomb

Next Story

UK govt to restart trade talks with India, others

Latest from -Top News

Indian HC London Engages Diaspora on Op Sindoor

The High Commissioner responded to queries with openness and reassured the community of the Indian government’s commitment to the safety…reports Asian Lite News The High Commission of India hosted a special community

Rights Alarm as Christians Face Ongoing Injustice

The HRCP has highlighted that there is an ongoing illegal eviction of Christian families from Kot Addu in Punjab’s Derekabad district initiated by locals and land mafias….reports Asian Lite News Disturbed by

Trump meets Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials were also present during the meeting….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh

India’s Sky Fortress

Over recent days, India’s defence apparatus has showcased exceptional capability and readiness in neutralising incoming aerial threats…reports Asian Lite News In the aftermath of India’s meticulously executed Operation Sindoor — a precision

India-UK FTA Reshapes Trade Ties

The FTA is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits. Labour-intensive sectors like apparel will see tariff barriers removed, making Indian goods more competitive in the UK…reports Asian Lite News In May 2025, India
Go toTop