There are nearly 20,000 of them, not counting dual nationals. Engineers, humanitarians, researchers, salespeople, restaurateurs, students… Since the escalation of Israeli strikes on Lebanon, the question of staying or leaving arises for almost all French people living in this small country of 6 million inhabitants. . Every time tension rises, it’s the same dilemma. And this time more than before.
For those who wish to leave, they must find a plane ticket before the airlines no longer operate any flights from the Lebanese capital, which has been the case for several Western companies for several days. Beirut’s international airport is also located to the south of the capital, not far from the suburbs where the Hezbollah headquarters targeted by the Israelis is located.
Lebanon: Paris and Washington call for a 21-day ceasefire
On Wednesday, after the intense strikes at the beginning of the week which left hundreds of victims, the French consulate general in Beirut sent a letter to French expatriates which remained the last official recommendation until yesterday evening: “At this point, writes consul Éric Amblard, there are no plans to evacuate the French community. However, the situation remains uncertain and subject to rapid evolution. If such a decision were to be taken, you would of course be informed without delay. » The French are encouraged to follow embassy X accounts to stay informed and a 24-hour telephone line has been set up.
Yesterday, after another night of Israeli strikes on the capital and in other regions of the country, Prime Minister Michel Barnier described“extremely serious” the situation in the country and said “concerned about safety” French people on site. The Quai d’Orsay is considering a trip by the new Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs to Beirut. Jean-Noël Barrot will travel to the Land of the Cedar if security conditions are met and the visit proves ” useful “, according to the ministry.
