Two Maltese Nationals Repatriated From Lebanon, 15 Civilians Remain
The Honorary Consulate of Malta in Beirut, Lebanon, has confirmed the safe return of two Maltese nationals from Lebanon to Malta.
A total of 25 others, including 9 members of the Armed Forces of Malta who are deployed in the country as part of United Nations peacekeeping mission, remain in Lebanon. Over the past two weeks the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has broadened to Lebanon causing civilians to flee from their homes.
Malta’s Consulate in Beirut told Lovin Malta that so far two Maltese nationals had returned safely to Malta. It said that in addition to Malta’s peacekeeping forces, at least another 16 Maltese passport owners are known to currently be in Lebanon. This includes Fr Michael Zammit, the Jesuit Provincial for the Near-East and Maghreb Province.
Over one million people are believed to have been displaced so far, with Israeli airstrikes hitting all parts of the country, including the capital Beirut.
Around 50,000 have fled to neighbouring countries in search for respite in neighbouring countries while another 200,000 have been relocated within the country since the bombings on Beirut on 20th September. Countless others are sleeping on the streets and public spaces as fears of an imminent land invasion grow. Meanwhile, more than 30,000 Israeli residents from the northern borders or the country have been relocated to safer areas due to the growing conflict in the region.
Cover Image by Hummam Sheikh Ali
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