Thirteen New Zealanders have left Lebanon on charter and commercial flights overnight.
It follows a rapidly spiralling situation, as Israel escalates its ground operation in southern Lebanon and airstrikes in the capital, Beirut.
“We are in contact with those who remain and, at this stage, almost all of them want to stay in Lebanon,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) told 1News.
It’s understood nearly 40 others remain in the country.
“Our advice to New Zealanders has not changed – do not travel to Lebanon, Israel or Iran. If you are there, leave now.”
New Zealanders have been advised to register on the SafeTravel website.
It warned that the New Zealand government’s ability to provide assistance to citizens is “severely limited”.
“There may be more opportunities to leave Lebanon in the coming days.”
Urgent consular assistance can be reached at +64 99 20 20 20.
