• Source:JND
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Amid fears of a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah and a broader regional conflict after the assassination of Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, the US embassy in Lebanon urged its citizens on Saturday to leave Lebanon. 

“If you are in Lebanon, be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate. The US Embassy strongly encourages US citizens who are already in Southern Lebanon, near the borders with Syria, and/or in refugee settlements to depart,” stated the official release by the US Embassy in Beirut.

The US further affirmed that American citizens unable to afford their return to the US can seek financial help from the embassy through repatriation loans. Those who decide to stay in Lebanon should have emergency plans and be ready to shelter in place for an extended period.

“US Citizens should not rely on the US government for assisted departure or evacuation in a crisis. If you are in Lebanon, be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate,” the release further stated.

After last week's rocket attack in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children, Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday, killing Hezbollah's military chief, Faud Shukr. This escalation has heightened concerns about a potential full-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel.

On Friday, the US announced plans to deploy a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East, enhancing its military presence to protect Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its allies.

The assassination of Haniyeh has caused US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators to urgently attempt to rescue ceasefire negotiations in Gaza after almost 10 months of conflict.

At least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed and 91,280 injured due to Israel's war in Gaza. The October 7 attacks led by Hamas resulted in over 1,190 deaths, mostly civilians, based on official Israeli figures. Approximately 250 people were taken hostage, with around 120 still in Gaza; many of them have been declared dead by Israeli authorities.