In a harrowing situation unfolding in Lebanon, a mother is reaching out in desperation for assistance to save her toddler son from the dangers posed by expected Israeli bombings.
Catherine Flanagan, who resides in Belfast, is deeply concerned for her son, David, who was taken to Beirut by his father, Mustapha Nahle, in 2022.
Despite a High Court order demanding David’s return last July, Nahle has refused to comply, escalating the mother’s fear for her child’s safety.
Desperation for Action
With tears in her eyes, 39-year-old Ms. Flanagan, who holds dual British and Irish citizenship, has appealed to Sir Keir Starmer and the Irish Taoiseach, Simon Harris, to intervene urgently.
David is set to turn three years old in just eight days, and Ms. Flanagan fears that the impending closure of Lebanon’s airspace due to military actions could prevent David’s escape.
“I’m absolutely terrified for David,” she expressed. “What’s worse is that Mustapha isn’t even trying to leave with him. I worry he could be injured or worse.”
Feelings of Helplessness
The situation has become increasingly dire, with Ms. Flanagan stating that the UK Foreign Office has been involved for the past two years but has yet to make any substantial progress.
When asked if she fears she may never see her son again, she emotionally replied, “Of course, of course.”
She expressed her frustration, feeling neglected by both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Taoiseach, stating, “I feel utterly helpless.
I feel let down by the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach, and the Foreign Office. It seems like David’s father isn’t prioritizing his best interests.”
David’s Care and Background
Ms. Flanagan shared that David is currently in the care of his paternal grandmother, Fatima, while Nahle works as the chairman of the anaesthesia department at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the largest medical facility in Beirut.
She revealed that Nahle is well-known among the Iranian-backed Hezbollah authorities in the region due to his prominent position.
The last time she saw David was during a visit in January, which she made under the impression that she would be allowed to take him home.
The Origins of Their Struggles
Catherine and Mustapha’s relationship began in 2021 when she described him as a “sweet geek.”
They married that April, and David was born later that year.
However, the marriage quickly deteriorated.
After the Home Office denied Nahle’s visa application to stay in the UK, he left with David in August 2022.
Now, Catherine’s only wish is for her son to return to her.
She has expressed her willingness to allow Nahle visitation rights as per court orders she secured in Belfast.
The Ongoing Conflict and Nahle’s Response
Ms. Flanagan’s anxiety over David’s safety intensified even before the looming threat of an Israeli invasion, as airstrikes in Beirut have become more frequent.
“Every time I hear about an airstrike, I’m checking where that is in relation to where I know David might be,” she said, reflecting her worry.
Meanwhile, Nahle, who was located by the BBC in Beirut, insists he has been granted custody of David by a Lebanese court and is determined not to return him to the UK.
“I am Lebanese, I live in Lebanon, I obey Lebanese laws. I feel David is safe and I have some safety measures in place,” he stated.
He added that safety cannot be guaranteed anywhere, even in the UK, referencing the ongoing violence in Belfast.
Government Involvement and Next Steps
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they have been providing consular assistance to Ms. Flanagan and have been in contact with local authorities.
However, they noted that they cannot directly intervene in child custody disputes, even with court orders in place.
Miceál O’Hurley, a mediator working on behalf of Ms. Flanagan, indicated that he had previously met with Nahle to discuss potential evacuation options for David but stated that the last British humanitarian flight had just departed.
In a bid to cover legal expenses in Lebanon and facilitate her son’s return, Ms. Flanagan has turned to fundraising through GoFundMe.
The situation remains tense, with hope hanging in the balance as she continues to fight for David’s safety and well-being.
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