The Indian Embassy in Lebanon has issued an advisory for Indian nationals to stay in touch with the embassy amid the spiralling situation that erupted after the killing of at least 12 children in Golan Heights. In the latest travel advisory, it said: "In view of the recent developments in the region, all Indian nationals in Lebanon and those planning to travel to Lebanon are advised to exercise caution." Besides, it also appealed to Indian nationals to remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut. It shared emergency contact and e-mail ID for the same.
Tense situation in Lebanon
Notably, Israel on Sunday said it would strike hard at Hezbollah after accusing the group of killing 12 children and teenagers in a rocket attack on a football field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah denied any responsibility for the attack on Majdal Shams, the deadliest in Israel or Israeli-annexed territory since Hamas' October 7 assault sparked the war in Gaza. Earlier today, an Israeli drone strike outside the southern Lebanese town of Shaqra on Monday killed two people and wounded three, including a child, Lebanese Civil Defence said. The rescue service did not say whether the dead were fighters or civilians.
Why Israel and Lebanon are fighting?
Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel on October 8, a day after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel and sparked the Gaza war. Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, says its attacks aim to support Palestinians who are under Israeli bombardment in Gaza. The Gaza war has drawn in Iran-backed militants across the region. Hezbollah is widely deemed the most powerful member of the Iran-backed network, known as the Axis of Resistance. Hezbollah has said repeatedly it will not halt its attacks on Israel unless a ceasefire in Gaza comes into force.
(With inputs from agencies)
