South Korea Urges Nationals to Leave Israel and Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

South Korea's foreign ministry has advised its citizens in Israel and Lebanon to evacuate due to increasing tensions in the Middle East. This advisory follows the killing of high-profile leaders from Hezbollah and Hamas. The South Korean government emphasizes diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

South Korea's foreign ministry on Tuesday strongly advised its nationals in Lebanon and Israel to leave the region as soon as possible, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The travel advisory was issued in the wake of the assassinations of a Hezbollah commander and the head of Hamas' political wing, the group that governs the Gaza Strip, according to ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong.

The recent assassinations followed a deadly rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights late last month. A government spokesperson emphasized South Korea's hope for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions, such as ceasefire negotiations and hostage releases.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran last week, leading to threats of retaliation against Israel and heightening concerns of a broader Middle Eastern conflict. A U.S. State Department spokesperson noted that Washington is urging other nations to communicate to Iran that further escalation is not advisable.

As of Tuesday, over 500 South Korean nationals reside in Israel and approximately 120 are in Lebanon, the ministry reported.