Saudi Arabia and Kuwait issue travel advisories for Lebanon amid clashes in Palestinian refugee camp
Smoke continues to rise from the Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon, Lebanon, following clashes between Palestinian factions on July 31, 2023. The violence has prompted Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to issue travel advisories for their citizens in Lebanon.
The Saudi embassy in Lebanon released a statement on Friday, urging Saudi citizens to quickly leave Lebanese territory and to avoid approaching areas where armed clashes have occurred. The embassy did not specify which specific areas in Lebanon should be avoided. The statement also emphasized the importance of adhering to the Saudi travel ban to Lebanon.
Similarly, Kuwait issued an advisory on Saturday, calling on Kuwaitis in Lebanon to stay vigilant and avoid areas of security disturbances. However, Kuwait did not ask its citizens to leave the country.
These travel advisories come after the United Kingdom updated its travel advice for Lebanon on August 1. The UK advised against all but essential travel to parts of Lebanon’s south near the Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian camp.
The clashes in Ain el-Hilweh have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, mostly militants, according to security sources in the camp. The fighting broke out on July 29 between the mainstream faction Fatah and hardline Islamists.
Ain el-Hilweh is the largest of the 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon and is home to approximately 80,000 Palestinian refugees. The camp hosts a significant portion of the up to 250,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, as reported by the United Nations’ agency for refugees from Palestine.
The situation in Ain el-Hilweh remains tense, and the travel advisories from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UK highlight the potential risks associated with the ongoing clashes. It is crucial for citizens to heed these warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
How will the travel advisories from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait impact Lebanon’s tourism industry and economy
Rom the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon as clashes between rival factions persist. The ongoing violence has prompted neighboring countries Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to issue travel advisories for their citizens, urging them to avoid traveling to Lebanon until the situation stabilizes.
The Ain al-Hilweh camp, located in southern Lebanon, has been a hotbed of tension for years. It is home to over 50,000 Palestinians who have sought refuge there since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. However, in recent weeks, clashes between rival Palestinian factions have escalated, leading to several casualties and extensive damage to the camp.
The fighting is mainly between two groups: the mainstream Palestinian Fatah group and the hardline Islamist Jund al-Sham. The reasons for the conflict vary, but power struggles, control over resources, and ideological differences have all fueled the animosity between these factions. The clashes have intensified in recent days, with gunmen exchanging gunfire and detonating explosive devices within the camp.
Concerned about the safety of their citizens, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have taken the precautionary step of issuing travel advisories. They have urged their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Lebanon and have advised those already in the country to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.
These travel advisories are not uncommon in the region and are typically issued when there is a significant risk to the safety and security of foreign nationals. They serve as a warning to citizens to reconsider their travel plans and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
Lebanon, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes, heavily relies on tourism for its economy. The travel advisories from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, both significant sources of tourism in Lebanon, will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the country’s tourism industry. This downturn will be particularly detrimental as Lebanon is already grappling with a deteriorating economic situation aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Lebanese government has been attempting to bring the situation under control, deploying security forces to the camp to restore order. However, the deeply rooted divisions within the camp and the complex political landscape make it a challenging task.
As the clashes in Ain al-Hilweh Refugee Camp persist, the issuance of travel advisories by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait underscores the severity of the situation. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts within the camp, not only to ensure the safety of the Palestinians living there but also to protect the livelihoods and security of the Lebanese people.
“Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Hoping for a swift resolution to the conflicts in Lebanon.”