With tensions rising in the conflict and the possibility of expanding, some countries have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon.
This comes at times when Iranian and Israeli relations are tense following the recent execution of Hamas’ politburo head, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran and the assassination of Hezbollah major operative Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Iran has vowed ‘severe’ revenge against Israel, whom Tehran accused of involvement in the assassination of Haniyeh. The US, UK, Australia, and many other countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon as soon as possible because the situation can rapidly worsen.
Negotiations by the USA and other Western countries are ongoing as they constantly attempt to reduce regional tensions.
But the murder of Shukr – a close associate of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah and a militia commander – has raised a possibility that Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite militant group and political organization, could get involved in the process and involve a severe Israeli reaction.
The position is aggravated by the continual work on cease-fire and hostage exchange agreements in Gaza, which were affected by Haniyeh’s death.
It started in October, and till now, it has taken more than 39,480 Palestinian lives in Gaza, confirms the health ministry of the Gaza Strip, which Hamas governs.
With regional tensions still escalating, countries have had to deploy measures to protect their citizens in Lebanon. The situation continues to be dynamic, and the possibility of adding another phase is still a concern for human and material resources for all the actors involved in the conflict zone.
