Pinoys in southern Lebanon urged to leave amid tensions with Israel

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon is urging Filipinos in the country's southern area to leave as tensions flare along the border with Israel.

"Due to the persistent tension in Lebanon's southern border, posing a significant threat to the safety and security of civilian residents, the Philippine embassy urges all Philippine nationals close to the border to evacuate preemptively to ensure their well-being and safety," an embassy advisory said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to provide figures on the number of Filipinos in southern Lebanon, but said 17,537 Philippine nationals are scattered across the country.

Given the unstable situation, the embassy discouraged non-essential travel to the southern part of the Middle East state.

Filipinos in the area were also advised to get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Beirut.

Israeli forces and armed groups in Lebanon have engaged in exchange of fire since the outbreak of the latest war in Gaza between the Israeli military and the Hamas militant group.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has expressed support for Hamas, said at least 10 of its fighters were killed in the skirmishes.

In Gaza, at least 135 Filipinos remain trapped as Israel prepares for ground assault. The crucial Rafah Crossing border remains closed, making it difficult for the Philippine government to retrieve the Filipinos. —KBK, GMA Integrated News