UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development David Lammy last night urged British citizens to leave Lebanon and not travel to the country amid growing tensions in the Middle East, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Lamy stated that "the situation is developing rapidly" and Foreign Office staff are working 'round the clock' to help keep British citizens safe.
After the escalation of hostilities between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese group "Hezbollah" intensive diplomatic efforts are being made to prevent the conflict from escalating into a regional war, DPA notes.
In its travel advice, Britain's Foreign Office warned that events in the region could escalate at "short notice" and lead to serious disruptions in passenger transport to leave Lebanon.
"Do not count on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth of Nations and Development to be able to evacuate you in case of emergency,", adds the department.
"You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the British Government. It may include the ability to evacuate quickly or shelter in place if you determine it is necessary and safe to do so," the guidelines added.
Israel and "Hezbollah" have exchanged fire along the Israeli-Lebanese border almost daily since the war in the Gaza Strip began last October, but tensions between them have increased since the attack by the Iran-backed group "Hezbollah" against the Golan Heights.