Italy, Indonesia issue travel advisories urging citizens to return or avoid traveling to Middle East

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – Italy and Indonesia issued travel advisories on Sunday for their citizens who are in the Middle Eastern countries or plan to travel there amid the escalation of tensions following the assassinations of Hezbollah's top commander and Hamas leader in Tehran, which Iran blamed on Israel and the US.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged Italians in Lebanon to avoid the south and return home by commercial flight in a statement on X.

Similarly, Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised against traveling to Lebanon, Iran, and Israel, recommending an immediate departure from Lebanon and increased vigilance.

Both countries cited safety and security concerns due to the deteriorating situation in the region.

Earlier in the day, the French Embassy in Beirut urged French citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible.

On Saturday, the US and UK warned their nationals to leave Lebanon immediately amid concerns over a wider escalation of the conflict with Israel.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have risen since Tel Aviv killed senior military commander Fouad Shukr in an airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb on Tuesday.

The following day, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, allegedly by Israel, though Tel Aviv has not confirmed or denied responsibility.