STOCKHOLM: Sweden on Saturday said it was shutting its embassy in Beirut amid fears the war in Gaza could escalate into a region-wide conflict, after urging thousands of its citizens to leave Lebanon.
The decision comes amid concerns that the conflict could spread further across the Middle East. The Swedish Foreign Ministry has also urged its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.
Foreign Minister Tobias Billström informed Swedish Radio that the embassy staff have been instructed to relocate to Cyprus. “The foreign ministry has instructed its staff to leave Beirut and travel to Cyprus, and the foreign ministry is planning a temporary relocation of its embassy,” Billström said. The closure is initially planned for the month of August, with the possibility of an extension depending on the evolving security situation.
The move follows a surge in regional tensions sparked by the recent killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and a top Hezbollah commander, which have been attributed to Israeli actions. The situation has intensified fears that the ongoing Gaza war could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
According to the Swedish Foreign Ministry, up to 10,000 Swedish nationals may have traveled to Lebanon this summer, despite a travel warning issued in October 2023. The ministry’s latest advisory urges all Swedish citizens in Lebanon to depart by any available means while it remains possible.
“I urge Swedes in Lebanon to leave the country by whichever means possible, while they still can,” Billström emphasized.
