Iraq to resume flights to Beirut next week

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi government plans to resume flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut next week following a recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Iraq’s transportation ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

“Flights to Lebanon will resume next week,” Maytham al-Safi told Rudaw, adding that it is not clear how many flights will be conducted per week. 

Iraq and many other countries suspended flights to the Lebanese capital two months ago, days after Israel carried out attacks on southern Lebanon on the grounds of targeting the pro-Iran Hezbollah movement. 

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced that both Israel and Lebanon have accepted Washington’s proposal for a ceasefire.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified since October 7, when Palestinian Hamas militants launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive ongoing offensive on Gaza, killing over 43,000 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Iraq has provided humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people, hosting thousands of people fleeing the country. 

Hastyar Qadir contributed to this article.