Image Credits: Health Policy Watch
The United Nations has decided to evacuate the dependents of its internationally recruited staff from Lebanon due to escalating regional tensions. The evacuation process, which starts on Friday, is part of the UN’s “family restrictions” policy, a term used for such evacuations.
This move comes after a thorough review by the UN’s security team and amid rising concerns over the conflict between Lebanon and Israel. Since hostilities erupted on October 8, this is the first instance of UN staff dependents being evacuated from the country. The decision follows heightened fears that the conflict, initially confined to the border region, might expand further.
The fighting, which has intensified since October 8, has spread beyond the Lebanese border. The conflict overlaps with Israel’s ongoing war against Gaza, following a severe incursion by Hamas on October 7. Recent developments include the assassination of a top Hezbollah commander, Fouad Shukr, and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, both of which have escalated tensions.
In a related historical context, similar evacuations occurred in 2006 during the Israel-Hezbollah war, which saw extensive damage across Lebanon. At that time, tens of thousands of foreign nationals were evacuated, and many Lebanese fled to Syria.
The UN’s Office of the Special Co-ordinator for Lebanon, which oversees UN operations in the region, has not yet responded to inquiries about the decision. Meanwhile, other governments have also urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, reflecting growing international concern over the potential for further escalation.
In recent days, Hezbollah has vowed retaliation against Israel, which has exacerbated the situation. Israel and Hezbollah’s conflict, alongside the broader regional instability, underscores the volatile environment prompting the UN’s precautionary measures.