Lebanon's key border crossing remains closed for 3rd day amid Israeli threats-Xinhua

Photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. Lebanon's Masnaa border crossing, the country's main overland gateway to Syria and the Arab hinterland, has been closed for a third day on Monday in both directions, following Israeli threats to target it. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Masnaa border crossing, the country's main overland gateway to Syria and the Arab hinterland, has been closed for a third day on Monday in both directions, following Israeli threats to target it.

The closure was forced by an urgent warning on Saturday by Israeli army spokesperson Avichai Adraee, who called for the evacuation of the crossing and the nearby M30 road, alleging Hezbollah was using it to transport weapons.

Security fears continue to paralyze movement at the border, as authorities and residents await further developments, even though no direct strikes have been recorded at the crossing so far.

"Intensive contacts are being carried out by the Lebanese and Syrian sides with concerned international parties, including American and Arab officials, in an attempt to contain the escalation and prevent the crossing from being targeted," an informed Lebanese security source told Xinhua on Monday.

Cross-border fighting has continued along the Lebanon-Israel border since March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, triggering intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon. ■