Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah members have killed hundreds in southern Lebanon since Monday, while Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets at Israel over the last year.
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Amidst an increasingly tense situation in the Middle East, the government in Nicosia has assured it is ready to manage the possible evacuation of third country nationals via Cyprus.
The issue was discussed in a meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
Cyprus’ president also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikata, who praised the role of the island nation as a pillar of stability in the region.
Cyprus says it will facilitate the arrival of Lebanese citizens seeking protection if necessary.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also spoke with his Lebanese counterpart, expressing his support for an immediate 21-day ceasefire.
Lebanese citizens who arrived in Athens from Beirut described the dire situation in their country.
“I was so scared to drive to the airport because it is within south Lebanon and they are bombing over there,” said one woman. “Thank God, no problems on the way, and thank God they didn’t strike the airport.”
European governments are urging their citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately due to escalating hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, which show no sign of easing.