France follows US, UK in advising nationals to leave Lebanon amid conflict fears

France has advised its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country "as soon as possible" due to escalating fears of an all-out conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and the broader regional instability.

This alert follows similar warnings from the United States and the United Kingdom, which recommended their nationals evacuate starting on August 3, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

The French foreign ministry highlighted the availability of direct and connecting flights to France and urged French nationals to make arrangements to depart Lebanon promptly. Approximately 23,000 French citizens reside in Lebanon, and around 10,000 were visiting the country last month.

Earlier in the week, France had merely updated its travel information, noting the availability of flights but not explicitly advising citizens to leave. The latest advisory comes amid heightened concerns about potential regional conflict following threats from Iran and its allies in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Iran and Hezbollah have blamed on Israel.

The tensions have also led Hezbollah to claim responsibility for launching dozens of rockets at Israel in retaliation for recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the country is on high alert and prepared for all possible scenarios, both defensive and offensive.