JERUSALEM: Amid escalating tensions from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Indian Embassy in Lebanon has issued an urgent advisory for Indian citizens to leave the country immediately.
“As a reiteration of an earlier advisory issued on August 1st, and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon until further notice,” reads the advisory from Beirut.
All Indian nationals currently residing in Lebanon have been advised to leave at the earliest opportunity.
“Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Beirut,” the advisory adds.
There are approximately 4,000 Indians living in Lebanon, most of whom are employed in the construction and farming sectors.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the United States and its allies called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, fearing an escalation of the conflict. This request came just hours after the Israeli military instructed its troops to prepare for a ground offensive.
The US believes a temporary ceasefire could create a window for a longer-term resolution to the conflict. However, it remains for Israel and Hezbollah to accept this ceasefire proposal.
India, in a recent meeting in New York with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressed concern over the wider conflict between Gaza and Israel. The current fighting between Israel and Hezbollah is a spillover from the Gaza-Israel conflict, which began after Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7th, 2023.
According to the latest reports, more than 43,000 people have lost their lives in the ongoing violence, including 116 journalists.