Australia Evacuates Citizens from Lebanon via Cyprus

Australia has initiated a large-scale evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon via Cyprus amid escalating conflict with Israel and Hezbollah. The first chartered flight successfully transported 229 Australians to Cyprus, with additional flights planned based on demand. Many evacuees expressed relief yet sadness at leaving family behind, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation. The Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus, Fiona McKergow, noted the exhaustion and mixed feelings of the evacuees as they arrived. In parallel, other nations have also utilized Cyprus for evacuations, reflecting a broader regional instability. Reports indicate significant casualties in Lebanon due to ongoing hostilities, exacerbating the urgency of these evacuation efforts.