The Government of Australia has ordered the departure of family members of Australian officials stationed in Israel and Lebanon, citing the deteriorating security environment in the Middle East.
In a statement, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken “in response to the worsening security situation in the Middle East.”
“If you are in Israel, we continue to advise you to consider departing while commercial options remain available,” the statement said.
The department warned that the regional security situation remains unpredictable, with tensions high and the risk of military escalation persisting. Any further deterioration, it added, could lead to airspace closures, flight cancellations and wider travel disruptions.
A similar advisory was issued for Lebanon. Canberra also announced that voluntary departures had been offered to family members of Australian officials serving in Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The move follows similar steps by other governments in recent days. The United States ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from its embassy in Beirut.
Meanwhile, Poland and Sweden have urged their citizens to leave Iran immediately, with Stockholm warning that it cannot guarantee evacuation assistance. India has issued similar guidance, while dozens of other countries maintain advisories against all travel to Iran.
What applies to Cypriot citizens
Cyprus has maintained a travel advisory for Iran since 13 January, recommending that all travel be avoided and urging Cypriot nationals currently in the country to depart immediately.
For Israel and the West Bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel. For Gaza, the advisory recommends avoiding all travel.
Similar guidance applies to Lebanon. Cypriots currently in the country are advised to exercise heightened caution and closely monitor developments.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also calls on Cypriots abroad to register on the Connect2CY platform to facilitate communication and assistance in case of emergency.
Source: CNA