Paris: French nationals, particularly vulnerable individuals, have been evacuated from Lebanon to Paris on additional commercial flights arranged by Middle East Airlines, according to a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
According to Burkina Information Agency, two extra flights were set up at the request of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to assist French citizens, including the sick, elderly, and isolated, in returning to France. French authorities secured 200 seats on these flights for vulnerable citizens. Additionally, Middle East Airlines continues to operate two daily flights from Beirut to Paris.
The French government has formally discouraged travel to Lebanon and has called for an end to the ongoing military escalation in the region. The Israeli army has intensified airstrikes and ground incursions against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, raising concerns over further destabilization.
France has also dispatched an amphibious helicopter carrier and an escort frigate to the Lebanese coast, with plans to potentially evacuate up to 1,500 people if needed.
