LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) (ITALPRESS) – A total of 25 Maltese nationals, including 9 members of the Armed Forces of Malta who are deployed in the country as part of United Nations peacekeeping mission, has remained in Lebanon. Meanwhile, two Maltese nationals have left the country and arrived in Malta.
Fr Michael Zammit, the Jesuit Provincial for the Near-East and Maghreb Province is among at least another 16 Maltese passport owners who are known to currently be in Lebanon, in addition to Maltàs peacekeeping forces.
The Maltese peacekeepers in Lebanon are based in Camp Shamrock, an Irish camp base located about seven kilometres from the Israeli border. Despite the escalating violence and the proximity of danger, none of the Maltese soldiers have requested to return home.
Furthermore, no Maltese nationals living in Lebanon had asked the Maltese Foreign Ministry for assistance. The present Travel Advisory for Lebanon issued by the Ministry is that of ‘Avoiding All Travel’. The Travel Advisory implies that Maltese nationals currently in Lebanon should consciously consider leaving the territory on available commercial flights. However, Maltese nationals permanently residing in Lebanon, are less likely to leave the country unless their area is affected by active hostilities. The Maltese Foreign Ministry is following all developments in the region and will be issuing directives as necessary, while remains available to provide any assistance to Maltese nationals abroad.
Over the past two weeks the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has broadened to Lebanon causing civilians to flee from their homes. More than one million people are believed to have been displaced so far, with Israeli airstrikes hitting all parts of Lebanon, including the capital Beirut.
(ITALPRESS).
– Foto: Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
