Indians, other nationals in Lebanon advised to take preventive measures amid escalating tensions with Israel

In the wake of rising regional tensions in Lebanon, the Indian Embassy in Beirut issued an advisory on Aug 1 asking Indian nationals to avoid any non-essential travel to the country.

The Embassy has also advised those residing in Lebanon to restrict movement and exercise caution while staying in regular communication with the Embassy via their specified email or emergency contact number.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Embassy in Beirut said, “In view of the recent escalations in the region, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Lebanon.”

Similar advisories have been issued by other nations like the US, UK, Australia and Canada asking their citizens to come back home.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, in a video message on social media platform X, has called on Australian nationals in Lebanon to leave the country without delay.

"Now is the time to leave, the security situation could deteriorate quickly with little or no notice," Wong said.

Wong said there is a possibility that Beirut airport will be closed, which could leave travelers stranded for a long time. She therefore urged all Australians to take commercial flights while they are still available.

Canada also asked its citizens to “come back home” if they were in Lebanon, and to “not think about visiting Beirut."

The advisories from various nations come after Israel killed Hezbollah's senior commander on the outskirts of the Lebanese capital which is the stronghold of the militant group.

Hours later, an Israeli strike killed Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The events have triggered fears the war in Gaza could escalate into a region-wide conflict.

The Palestinian fighter group Hamas has claimed Haniyeh was killed "in a Zionist airstrike on his residence in Tehran." He was in Tehran for a swearing-in ceremony of Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 30.