In light of rising tensions in the area, Indian nationals are advised to refrain from non-essential travel to Lebanon. The Indian Embassy in Beirut released a travel advisory on Thursday morning, encouraging its citizens to be cautious. Those currently in Lebanon are advised to "limit their movements and maintain contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut". The embassy can be contacted via email at cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or through the emergency phone number +96176860128, according to the advisory.
The United States also issued a similar warning on Wednesday. The US State Department elevated its travel advisory for Lebanon to level four, advising "Do Not Travel", and encouraged Americans in Lebanon to leave if possible. Tensions in the region have heightened following a rocket attack on the Israel-occupied Golan Heights that resulted in the death of 12 children at a football field. The attack, which was attributed to Hezbollah but denied by them, led to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claiming the killing of a top Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, in a strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday. Shortly thereafter, another strike early on Wednesday reportedly killed Hezbollah's ally, Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, raising concerns about the potential spillover of the Gaza conflict.
As diplomatic efforts intensify to manage the conflict, several airlines have either cancelled or postponed flights to Lebanon.
