Germany issues advisory for its citizens to leave Lebanon

BERLIN: Germany has issued an urgent advisory, urging its citizens to promptly evacuate Lebanon amid heightened tensions following a drone strike in Beirut that resulted in the killing of a senior Hamas leader.

The German foreign ministry, in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, called on all remaining German citizens in Lebanon to register on the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list and leave the country without delay.

The warning, released after a meeting of the German government’s crisis unit on Wednesday, emphasized concerns over the potential escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The statement highlighted the unpredictability of the situation, particularly in light of the assassination of Saleh al-Aruri, the political deputy of Hamas in Beirut.

The advisory specifically cautioned about the southern part of Lebanon, including the southern urban areas of Beirut, as potential areas of increased risk. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the drone strike, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Lebanese security sources have attributed the assassination of Saleh al-Aruri, a key figure in Hamas’ military wing, to Israel.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has vowed to retaliate against Israel for the drone strike, intensifying concerns of further hostilities. Germany had previously issued a travel warning for Lebanon in October during the initial outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.