Sad reason Aussies ignoring dire warning

An Australian-Lebanese businessman has revealed the reason Australians are ignoring a serious warning to leave Lebanon is because they’re used to the dangers of the unfolding situation.

The government issued an urgent warning for Australians in Lebanon to leave immediately on Wednesday amid concerns they may be trapped if war were to break out between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said flights to and from Lebanon’s capital Beirut could stop at any time and there was “no guarantee” people would be able to leave through “other means”.

“There is a risk that the Beirut airport might not be open for commercial flights, and given the numbers of people that are there, there is no guarantee that people will be able to come home through other means if that airport is shut,” Mr Albanese said.

The dire warning comes after Israel took responsibility for a strike that killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Israel’s government said the action was in retaliation for a Hezbollah attack in Israel-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 people, most of whom were children.

Despite the warning, Australian-Lebanese businessman Joseph Zaid said it’s just “another day” as he spoke to the ABC from Beirut.

“Look, on the ground, people are a little bit nervous. Everyone’s keeping an eye on the situation. But it has happened a few times over the last nine months,” he said.

Mr Zaid said he was planning to leave Lebanon himself, but not because of the current situation.

“The situation in Lebanon — if you’re used to the situation over here, it’s like another day, in a way,” he said.

“But in saying that, this situation does flare up at certain times. So we’re keeping a good eye on things, and having all of our plans in place just in case something does happen.”

He added the Australian government is “doing all it can” by announcing travel warnings.

“In the past, if there has been a situation, the Australian government has been fantastic with helping its citizens leave, whether it be sending boats or whatever resources it needs,” he said.

“I think the Australian government’s doing everything it can. At the end of the day, it’s each person’s circumstances and why they’re staying back.

“Some people have personal circumstances where they have to provide more for the community and be here for those reasons.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong also urged Australians to leave Lebanon on Wednesday.

“There is a real risk that the conflict in the region escalates seriously,” she said in a video message on Wednesday.

“The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice.