Concerns over security of Nepalis in Lebanon

Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon, with the US warning its citizens to do so on “any ticket available”, as fears grow of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Israel has not commented.

Haniyeh’s assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Western officials fear that Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and political movement based in Lebanon, could play a key role in any such retaliation, which in turn could spark a serious Israeli response. Reacting to such concerns, the US, the UK, Sweden, France, Italy, Canada and Jordan urged their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, as a growing number of flights are canceled or suspended at the country’s only commercial airport in Beirut.

Nepal does not have an actual number regarding the Nepali citizens in Lebanon. However, organizations working for the welfare of Nepalis there estimate that there could be more than 5,000 Nepalis there. According to the Nepali Army, there are 1,900 Nepali peacekeepers in Lebanon. 

As of Sunday, Nepal has not taken any measure to bring back the Nepalis, who are in Lebanon and want to return due to the growing insecurity, although Nepali Embassy in Egypt has urged the Nepali citizens living in Lebanon to exercise caution.

Issuing a press note, the embassy that also looks after Lebanon said, “Nepalis living in Lebanon are urged to exercise caution in view of the possible escalation of war.” 

The embassy has also asked the Nepali citizens to contact the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal in Beirut to drop their necessary details via the embassy’s website.