S’poreans in Lebanon should leave immediately amid volatile situation: MFA

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Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese city of Baalbeck in the Bekaa valley on September 23, 2024. Israeli air strikes killed 274 people, including 21 children, in south Lebanon on September 23, the Lebanese health minister said, in by far the deadliest cross-border escalation since war erupted in Gaza on October 7. (Photo by Nidal SOLH / AFP)

In September, the conflict has widened as Israel launched the biggest air strikes on Lebanon in nearly two decades.

PHOTO: AFP

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SINGAPORE – Singaporeans in Lebanon should leave the country immediately via commercial options, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in an updated travel advisory on Sept 28.

“In view of the volatile situation in the region, Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel to Lebanon,” it said.

They should also avoid travel to southern Beirut and southern Lebanon, including the Lebanon-Israel border areas.

“Singaporeans who choose to remain in Lebanon should remain vigilant, monitor local developments closely and heed the advice of the Lebanese government,” said MFA, adding that Singaporeans should also avoid protests and large gatherings.

For just under a year, Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza in an effort to dismantle the militant group after it led attacks on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.

In September, the conflict widened as Israel launched the biggest air strikes on Lebanon in nearly two decades, targeting the Hezbollah movement, which has been firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians.

In another advisory posted on its website on Sept 23, MFA advised Singaporeans to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Israel’s borders with the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria.

The ministry also advised Singaporeans to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel in view of the ongoing conflict.

It added that commercial airlines may suspend their flights to Tel Aviv at short notice.

“Singaporeans residing in Israel are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local developments closely, and adhere to the guidelines of the Israeli Home Front Command,” said MFA.

“They should also avoid areas known for public disturbances or where large crowds congregate, especially in the Old City and East Jerusalem, including Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount.”

They should take all necessary precautions for personal safety, including buying comprehensive travel and medical insurance, it added.

Singaporeans are strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA at

https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg

, the ministry said, adding that they should also stay in touch with their family and friends.

Those who need consular assistance while in Lebanon may contact the Singapore Honorary Consulate-General in Beirut, while those in Israel or the Palestinian Territories may contact the Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv. They can also contact the MFA Duty Office (24 hours).

Honorary Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Beirut

Address: Center Sofil, Charles Malek Avenue, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
Telephone: +961 1-334-335 / 200-786 / 200-787
E-mail:

singaporeconsulate@cyberia.net.lb

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Israel (Tel Aviv)

Address: 28 HaArba’a Street, South Tower (19th floor), Tel Aviv 6473926, Israel
Tel: +972 3-7289334
E-mail: 

singemb_tlv@mfa.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours)

Address: Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Tel: +65 6379-8800 / 8855
E-mail: 

mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

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