Escalating Tensions at Lebanon-Israel Border Forces MEA to Cut Flights Amidst Growing Travel Warnings

Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), is cutting over half of its flights due to escalating tensions along the border with Israel. The decision comes as more Western countries issue travel warnings for Lebanon. MEA's chairman, Mohammad El-Hout, stated that only eight out of the company's 22 planes will operate starting next week. This reduction in flights is a result of changes to the company's insurance coverage following a Hamas attack on October 7.

Insurance companies have become more wary since the attack, leading to a reduction in war risk coverage. This decision by MEA follows similar actions taken by other airlines, including Swiss International Air Lines and Lufthansa, who have already suspended their flights to Beirut. The Lebanese-Israel border has been witnessing near daily incidents involving Lebanon's Hezbollah or Palestinian groups, including Hamas, since the Hamas attack. This has resulted in the deaths of 22 people on the Lebanese side, including four civilians, sparking fears of a wider escalation.

As a result, Western countries such as the United States, Britain, France, Australia, Canada, and Belgium have issued travel advisories for Lebanon, urging their nationals to leave the country due to the unpredictability of the situation. Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations is working with all parties to clarify conditions for humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. In a separate development, Hamas released two American hostages, a mother and daughter.

Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Ministry and the Israel Defense Forces have asked residents to evacuate from the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, near the Lebanon border. There are growing concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate into a regional conflict, with increased shelling between northern Israel and southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. With the war entering its 14th day, there are fears that an expected ground assault on the Gaza Strip could worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the area.