Beirut, Sep 26 (V7N) – In light of the escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah across Lebanon, the Japanese government has called on its citizens to leave the country immediately. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in more than 700 deaths and left thousands injured since Monday.

Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the advisory on Friday, stating, "We are currently checking the safety of Japanese citizens living in Lebanon." He emphasized the importance of their immediate departure for safety reasons, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Japan is one of several countries to issue such warnings, joining nations like Italy, Belgium, the UK, the USA, Russia, India, Australia, and Malaysia, all of which have urged their citizens to evacuate Lebanon due to the increasing threat of an all-out war in the region.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged his military to continue its offensive against Hezbollah despite international calls for a ceasefire. On Wednesday, twelve countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union, proposed a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to prevent further escalation.

Although initial signs of hope appeared when Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, expressed openness to the ceasefire proposal, Israeli politicians quickly rejected the idea. Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a firm statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, saying there would be "no ceasefire in the North," signaling the government's resolve to continue its offensive against Hezbollah.

As fighting intensifies, the situation remains highly volatile, with widespread concerns of the conflict expanding further across the region.

END/RH/AJ