Pinoys in Lebanon urged to avoid some areas amid Israeli air strikes

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon advised Filipinos to avoid traveling or staying in Southern Lebanon and Bekaa due to the air strikes launched by Israel.

The embassy asked Filipinos who may be injured or need assistance to immediately contact them via:

• OFW Assistance & Emergency Hotline: +96179110729
• Embassy Hotline: +96170858086

"Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Please stay alert, follow local authorities' guidance, and take necessary precautions," the embassy's statement posted on Facebook early Sunday read.

"We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. For further assistance or if you have any concerns, do not hesitate to reach out through the provided hotlines. Stay safe," it added.

Israel and Lebanon had a ceasefire deal in November. Under this deal, Hezbollah was to have no weapons in southern Lebanon, Israeli ground troops were to withdraw and Lebanese army troops were to deploy into the area, according to a report by Reuters.

However, tension continued to arise between Israel and Hezbollah.

On Saturday, Israel launched air strikes and had its artillery in motion after it said it intercepted rockets fired from across the border. Six rockets were fired from Lebanon, and three of those crossed into Israel and were intercepted. Hezbollah however said it had no hand in the rocket launches, and no group claimed responsibility for such.

At least eight people were killed in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's state news agency, which cited health authorities, Reuters reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to "act forcefully against dozens of terror targets in Lebanon". —KG, GMA Integrated News