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The Israeli army’s announcement of an inevitable ground incursion into southern Lebanon has caused growing anxiety among Moroccan nationals living in the country, who are now waiting for evacuation plans from the Moroccan government.
Other countries have already organized evacuation operations for their citizens residing in Lebanon, following Israel’s launch of what it called a “limited” ground offensive against Hezbollah on Tuesday.
Despite Hezbollah denying the incursion, the news prompted various nations to take precautionary measures, including evacuating their citizens, according to a report by AFP.
France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany have reportedly dispatched planes and ships, while some have chartered commercial aircraft to assist in the evacuation of their citizens.
A Moroccan student currently in Beirut spoke to Hespress Ar expressing his rising concern following Israel’s announcement of the ground incursion.
The student, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Tunisian students had already been evacuated by their government.
The student said that she hears daily explosions and the constant presence of warplanes and drones in the skies, comparing the situation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The student urged the Moroccan government to expedite evacuation efforts, explaining that he has been in daily contact with the Moroccan embassy in Beirut.
The Moroccan national added that “the embassy promised to respond, but we have yet to receive any updates despite the escalating situation.”
He also revealed that flights out of Beirut’s airport are either canceled or fully booked until at least October 18, with uncertainty surrounding what conditions will be like by that date.
Meanwhile, the Tunisian embassy in Beirut has confirmed the start of evacuation operations for its citizens, according to Tunisian media.
Hespress Ar reached out to the Moroccan embassy in Lebanon for comment on their evacuation plans but did not receive a response.
Karima, a Moroccan residing in southern Lebanon, described the situation as increasingly dire, having witnessed an Israeli airstrike hit a house in her neighborhood.
She and her family were forced to flee their home, seeking shelter with neighbors after receiving an evacuation order from unknown sources.
Karima urged the Moroccan authorities to initiate evacuation efforts quickly, either by plane or ship, as other countries have done.
“We are terrified by the Israeli ground incursion,” she said, recounting the constant air raids, the sight of rising smoke from bombed buildings, and the traumatizing effect it is having on her children.
Informed sources told Hespress Ar that the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a crisis unit to monitor the situation of Moroccan nationals in Lebanon since the beginning of the crisis, working continuously to respond to developments and take necessary measures.
To this time, thought the Israeli army claimed they advanced into southern Lebanon, Hezbollah has denied the incursion occurred, assuring the frontlines have not been breached.
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