The Indian Embassy in Lebanon has issued an advisory to the nationals urging them to leave the country as tensions escalate owing to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Embassy has warned against travelling to the West Asian country and has asked Indians already living there to leave. Extreme caution and restricted movement have been advised for Indians who remain there for any reason.
"In view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," said the Indian Embassy in Beirut.
"All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," it added.
Over 600 people in Lebanon have been killed so far in Israeli airstrikes since September 23. At least 72 people were killed on Wednesday, said the health ministry in Beirut, reported AFP. The airstrikes killed 38 people in southern Lebanon, 12 in the eastern Bekaa region, and 22 in three towns north and south of Beirut. Around 400 people were injured.
Thousands of civilians have also fled their homes in the region as Israel pounded the country targeting Hezbollah fighters on Monday.
Despite international calls to de-escalate the tensions in the region, Israel's military chief urged soldiers to be prepared for a potential ground offensive against Hezbollah.
"We are attacking all day, both to prepare the ground for the possibility of your entry, but also to continue striking Hezbollah," said Israeli military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi.
The warning came as US President Joe Biden cautioned against an "all-out war" in the Middle East, urging for a diplomatic solution to de-escalate tensions.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that the military operations against Hezbollah would not cease until residents in the north could safely return to their homes. "We will continue to hit Hezbollah... the one who has a missile in his living room and a rocket in his home will not have a home," he declared.