Türkiye warns its citizens to avoid southern Lebanon

ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye warned Turkish citizens living in Lebanon early Friday to stay away from areas close to the Israeli border.

Due to the “reflections of the recent developments in Israel and Palestine on the south of Lebanon," Turkish citizens are advised to be cautious and, if possible, to stay away from areas south of the Litani River, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry advised citizens to follow the official websites and social media accounts of the Turkish Embassy in Beirut and the Turkish Foreign Ministry for developments.

The statement came as Israel remains on high alert along its northern border against the Lebanese group Hezbollah in Lebanon while the Israel-Palestine conflict rages in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The conflict escalated into a humanitarian crisis on Oct. 7 when the Palestinian Hamas group’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended to cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

As the conflict intensifies in Gaza, tensions have risen along Israel's border with Lebanon.

Three Hezbollah members, two members of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad and an Israeli officer have been killed in border fighting.