‘Leave immediately’: Australians warned to leave Lebanon amid escalating tension in the region

Australians are being warned to immediately leave a middle eastern nation as security tensions could leave people stranded.

Australians are being warned to “immediately leave” Lebanon amid concerns Israel could launch a retaliatory attack on the nation after what is believed to be a Lebanese rocket killed 12 children in Israeli occupied Golan Heights.

The federal government has issued a do not travel alert for Lebanon amid concerns over the country’s “volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further”.

Smartraveller, run by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is warning Australians the situation in Lebanon could “deteriorate rapidly” with little notice as military action within the region increases.

Ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters has prompted the Australian Government to issue a “do not travel warning” for Lebanon. Photo: Rabih Daher / AFP

The government has urged Australians to leave while commercial flights are still available.

“Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice,” the warning read.

As tensions escalate, Beirut Airport could be forced to close leaving people stranded for extended periods.

International airlines, including German airlines Lufthansa, Swiss and Eurowings have reportedly suspended all flights to and from Beirut until August 5.

Air France has suspended all flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Beirut scheduled for July 29 and 30.

Australians have been told to leave Lebanon immediately amid growing tensions in the region. Photo: Khaled Desouku/AFP

“Air France is monitoring the situation in Lebanon in real time,” the airline reportedly said.

Those who choose not to leave are being warned the government may not be able to assist them if the situation escalates.

The warning comes as military action has increased in southern Lebanon, including rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes.

The government has warned the conflict could spread to other areas in Lebanon including Beirut and could limit the ability of travellers to move safely.

The federal government has advised Australians not to travel to the region since October 19.