The Ghanaian government has voiced serious concerns regarding the worsening crisis in Lebanon, where more than one million individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to continuous Israeli airstrikes, including a recent attack in central Beirut.
This situation has intensified fears about the possibility of a large-scale invasion.
In light of the escalating violence, the government released a statement on Friday, October 4, 2024, urging Ghanaians currently in Lebanon to make immediate arrangements to return home using available flights.
To assist in this process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration recommended that Ghanaian nationals lacking complete documentation reach out to the Embassy of Ghana in Cairo, Egypt, or the Honorary Consulate in Beirut for support.
These initiatives are designed to prioritize the safety and welfare of Ghanaian citizens amid the increasing instability in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the international community, including the United Nations, is actively monitoring developments and striving to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the crisis.
“Considering the deteriorating situation, the government of Ghana encourages all Ghanaian nationals in Lebanon to take advantage of the available flights in Lebanon to immediately leave the country.
“The government entreats all Ghanaians in Lebanon to act promptly on this advice to avoid any emergencies.”
Background
On Monday, September 23, Israel launched a relentless series of airstrikes across Lebanon, marking the deadliest day in the region since the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah, the influential Iran-backed militant group.
The intense bombardment instilled widespread fear and anguish among the Lebanese population, resulting in the deaths of over 500 individuals, including women and children, while injuring more than 1,800, as reported by local authorities.
As families desperately fled their homes in search of safety, clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continued in southern Lebanon on Wednesday.
Reports from the Israeli military, Hezbollah, and the Lebanese army confirmed active fighting in at least two border regions, particularly around closed military zones where Israeli troops and equipment had been concentrated.