Latest Middle East Tensions: Evacuations and Airstrikes in Lebanon

Japan and Australia prepare to evacuate citizens from Lebanon amidst escalating conflict. Beirut airstrike casualties rise.

Tokyo — Japan has sent two transport planes from its Self-Defense Force to Lebanon to help evacuate its citizens.

These planes are expected to reach Jordan and Greece by Friday. Despite the situation, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has confirmed that no Japanese people have been hurt, with about 50 currently in Lebanon.

This is the second time Japan has helped evacuate people from Lebanon, with over 100 individuals, including Japanese and South Koreans, being airlifted in October and November 2023.

Sydney — Australia has arranged for 500 seats on flights for Australians, permanent residents, and their families to leave Lebanon on Saturday.

These seats are for 1,700 Australians and their families in Lebanon.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is urging Australians to take advantage of these flights now, instead of waiting for their preferred travel arrangements.

Beirut — Lebanon’s health department has reported six deaths and seven injuries from an Israeli airstrike on a building in Beirut on Wednesday.

The attack happened near important places like the United Nations headquarters and government offices.

Residents noticed a sulfur-like smell from the bombs, raising concerns about Israel using banned phosphorus bombs.

United Nations — Israel’s ambassador, Danny Danon, has criticized the U.N. for not calling for peace more often, blaming Iran for terrorism.

He also mentioned Israel’s retaliation to Iran’s missile attack, which he called unprovoked and threatened to escalate the conflict.

Iran’s ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, defended Iran’s actions as a necessary defense against Israel’s aggression and called for U.S. support for Israel as harmful to peace.

This situation highlights the need for international discussions to manage the growing tensions in the Middle East.