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Australia commenced a significant evacuation of its nationals from Lebanon on Saturday, utilizing Cyprus as a transit point due to intensified Israeli military actions against Hezbollah.
According to a report on Reuters, the first flight brought 229 individuals to the Mediterranean island, approximately 40 minutes by air from Beirut. A second flight is scheduled for later in the day, with additional evacuations anticipated based on demand, according to Australian and Cypriot officials.
Upon arrival at Larnaca airport, evacuees were escorted from the aircraft to a terminal and onto waiting coaches. Children were seen enjoying red apples and water distributed by Australian military personnel.
"They are exhausted, exceptionally happy to be here but heartbroken because they left family behind," said Fiona McKergow, Australia’s High Commissioner to Cyprus.
As conflicts escalate, Cyprus has emerged as a crucial hub for international evacuations. Recent weeks have seen Israel ramping up its military offensive against Hezbollah, following a protracted period of lower-level clashes amid the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. Cyprus previously assisted in the evacuation of nearly 60,000 people during the last major escalation in 2006.
In the past week, Cyprus has facilitated evacuations for nationals from China, Greece, Portugal, and Slovakia. Both the United Kingdom and the United States have also positioned personnel in Cyprus to support potential military evacuations.
Among the evacuees, Dana Hameh, 34, expressed deep concerns about returning to Lebanon. "Never, ever. I was traumatized, my kids were traumatized. It’s not a safe country; I won’t be back," she said. However, she noted a sense of hope: "I feel very sad leaving my country but I'm very happy to start a new life in Sydney. Life goes on. I wish the best for everyone."
[Information sourced from Reuters]
