Disclaimer: This article has graphic depictions of war and violence. Reader discretion is advised.

The situation in Lebanon took a dire turn, which left locals and foreigners stranded amidst the chaos.

Despite travel warnings from the Australian government, several Australians found themselves in the middle of the crossfire.

Sydney resident Souad Jammal found herself in a state of disbelief.

Jammal, who visited her family in her hometown, Chthoura, was supposed to go home last Wednesday.

Yet, her return flight to Abu Dhabi got cancelled right before her eyes.

Apart from Ms Jammal's flight, over 30 flights from Beirut were scrapped due to the deteriorating security situation.

Lebanon and Israel have been facing each other since early last year, with the situation escalating further recently. Image Credit: Pexels/Charbel Karam

'My kids are in Australia, crying, saying "Mum, you have to come back,"' Ms Jammal lamented.

However, with a ground invasion looming, her options have dwindled.

'I'm scared. I swear to God. Last night, I did not sleep. The day before, I did not sleep as well,' Ms Jammal shared.

The tension between Israel and Hezbollah has been escalating for almost a year, with the past week seeing a significant uptick in hostilities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) started air strikes and rocket attacks across Lebanon, targeting alleged Hezbollah infrastructure.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed paramilitary group, is also considered a terrorist organisation by Australia.

According to Beirut's official updates, the attacks resulted in approximately 600 deaths and thousands of injuries.

A report from the United Nations (UN) also shared that around 90,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced by the violence.

The Australian government advised about 15,000 Australians in Lebanon to leave, but the window of opportunity is closing fast.

Developments on the ground are alarming, as Hezbollah fired a surface-to-surface missile towards Tel Aviv, which was eventually intercepted.

The IDF's top general, Herzi Halevi, also announced preparations for a ground invasion to 'continue degrading Hezbollah'.

Despite the danger, not all Australians want to leave the country.

Perth native Mary-Ann Flegg, who moved to Beirut a year ago with her daughters, found her calling in the country as a missionary.

She felt a strong connection to the community she served in.

'I don't want to leave them and abandon them at this time. This is when they need us to help,' Ms Flegg shared.

Ms Flegg also shared that she is prioritising the safety of her children and has prepared contingency plans for several scenarios.

'The tipping point would be if there is nowhere for us to feel completely safe,' Ms Flegg added.

Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that the Australian government may not be able to assist all nationals in evacuating the country.

As the death toll continues to rise, world leaders are set to gather for the UN General Assembly to respond to the escalating violence.

The situation in Lebanon is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the complexities of international conflict.

For Australians caught in the crossfire, the coming days could be decisive.

As the world watches, the hope for a peaceful resolution hang in the balance.

We encourage everyone to stay informed and reach out to loved ones who could be affected by these events.

Key Takeaways

• Sydney resident Souad Jammal found herself stranded in Lebanon as flights got cancelled amidst security threats.
• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated a possible ground invasion to continue targeting Hezbollah.
• Hezbollah has expanded its range of attack, exemplified by launching missiles towards Tel Aviv, which Israel intercepted.
• About 15,000 Australians in Lebanon were urged to leave, but some chose to stay due to various reasons.

What are your thoughts about the ongoing strife in the region? Share your insights and concerns with us in the comments below.

 

[Jest]

I STAND WITH ISRAEL.

 

[DLHM]

Ms Flegg moved to Beirut with her children. Says she doesn’t want to abandon her community.

Yet she claims she is prioritising the safety of her children. If she did, she’d send them back to Perth where they came from a year ago.

Selfish “mother”. Displaying characteristics of a self-centred, controlling woman who wants people to believe she’s so caring.

 

[Aunty Rolls]

There is no easy answer. Until we recognise that we are basically all the same and that everyone has the right to their own beliefs and Faiths and we agree to disagree peacefully. Until we stop supporting extremists and electing those who put their own agendas before those of us who elected them, we will continue to have conflicts such as in Israel and the Ukraine.

 

[David567]

If you are STUPID enough to go into a war zone, then suffer the consequences . Why should tax payers bail them out. This is as stupid as giving your money to scammers.

 

[magpie1]

You can't help too many people if you are dead. Get out now while you still have the chance and return if you wish to after the fighting has stopped.Bless you for your kindness and best of luck in the future.

 

[Catherines]

When travelling overseas it is so important to notify DFAT of your complete travel agenda so they can determine the best time to contact you and advise in no uncertain terms “it’s time to get out” (before tensions rise to impossible levels). Travel insurance mostly pays for Medical type insurance. They usually don’t have the means to extradite you.

Why did she/he/they wait so long to think of getting out? This war in so many parts of the Middle East has been on a knife edge for so long and airlines are reluctant to fly their aircraft and aircrew to/over these parts for their own & crew’s safety. It is the responsibility of people to get out early, and DFAT to assist those who have registered with them, BEFORE they offer ANY assistance to the unregistered. It does not matter that one is an Australian - what matters is that we understand any/all possible threats BEFORE travelling and that we do not expect to be assisted in any way if we do not notify DFAT (or take travel insurance for medical possibilities).

Don’t get me wrong - I’m saddened every day to see so much death and destruction and I do feel very much for all people suffering in these areas including the innocent who are affected and lose everything of their lives and also lose members of their family. BUT this person’s stupidity must be at the forefront to even travel there. If she was going there to be with family then she should have got out before this stupid war escalated.

 

[relljube]

How many times do these idiots have to be told to "leave now" -do they think DFAT issues these warnings as a joke? Why the hell should we now bail them out - bad luck find your own way back or stay there!