Greece has deployed frigate “Elli” to the wider region of Lebanon in order to assist in the evacuation of foreign nationals as Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon, reports To Vima.
The news comes hours after the Greek Foreign Ministry called on Greek citizens in Lebanon to leave the Middle Eastern country immediately. The ministry is also advising against travel to Lebanon.
The Greek war ship is in the region as part of a United Nations operation and is ready to participate in evacuation efforts if requested.
There are currently 3,000 Greek nationals living in Lebanon. In case of emergency, Greek citizens in Lebanon should contact the Consular Office of the Embassy in Beirut on (+961) 71 593659 or via email at grcon.bei@mfa.gr
According to media reports, Israeli officials warned on Wednesday that Israel may be launching a ground operation in Lebanon.
Airports and ports in Cyprus are also on high alert. The UK Ministry of Defense announced that it was sending 700 troops to Cyprus to assist in the evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon, also advising against all travel to the country.
This week, more than 600 people have been killed in Lebanon and at least 90,000 displaced according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
