The Latest Breaking News from Beirut

In Beirut, shops are open and traffic is as snarled as ever

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Monday pleaded for “all parties” to “urgently de-escalate what has become a very precarious situation” amid growing fears of an Iranian attack on Israel. Regional tensions have soared since last week's assassination of Hamas's political leader in Tehran and Israel's killing…

Hundreds gathered near Beirut's port on Sunday to mark four years since a catastrophic explosion devastated the capital and to demand accountability, with the spectre of war weighing over commemorations.

Assassinations have led to escalating fears of full-scale conflict, though some Lebanese say they are ‘ready for any confrontation with Israel’

No one has been held accountable for the catastrophic explosion that killed more than 220 people.

The Beirut port blast anniversary this year coincides with soaring regional tensions

Following in the footsteps of the US and Britain, France on Sunday called on its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country "as soon as possible" amid fears of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and a broader regional conflict.

Consular, border and military officials head to region after threats of reprisals against Israel by Hezbollah and Iran

Both the US and UK governments on Saturday urged their citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately, amid fears of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and a broader regional conflict. Flights to Beirut by Air France and low-cost carrier Transavia France will remain suspended until at least Tuesday.

Fears of a regional Middle East war grew on Saturday after the assassination of Hamas's political leader, blamed on Israel, triggered vows of vengeance from Iran-backed Middle East groups.

Iran and allied groups vow to hit back at Israel, seeking to restore deterrence, say analysts.