KATHMANDU: Air France has had to suspend its flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut until at least Monday due to the escalating tensions in the area. The decision was made in response to strong opposition brought on by the intensifying fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The length of the flying pause could vary depending on how the problem is assessed.
Heavy gunfire exchanges early on Sunday along the Israel-Lebanon border signaled a major escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah retaliated by firing hundreds of missiles into Israel after its commander, Fouad Shokor, was assassinated recently. Israel counterattacked, using jets to target Hezbollah's missile launchers in southern Lebanon.
The move by Air France to suspend operations is a component of a larger reaction to the intensified fighting. Based on the present security situation, the airline will reevaluate the situation on Monday and decide whether to extend the suspension.
