Saturday, August 3, 2024 On July 31, the Japanese Foreign Ministry urgently advised citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon, citing rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East and the deteriorating situation in Lebanon following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Ministry’s Overseas Japanese Nationals Safety Division emphasized the urgent need for Japanese residents in Lebanon to consider leaving the country as soon as possible. The advisory strongly stressed the importance of safety preparations, urging citizens to stay informed about the latest developments from multiple sources.
The risk advisory highlighted the potential rapid deterioration of the situation, advising citizens to evacuate to a safe area promptly. It also urged citizens to double-check their belongings and emergency supplies. The Ministry recommended those staying in Lebanon submit their whereabouts and local emergency contact information to the local diplomatic mission.
This warning effectively raised the danger level of the entire country of Lebanon to level 3, advising Japanese citizens to refrain from traveling to the country. The Lebanese border area with Israel was already at level 4, which urges immediate evacuation. The Foreign Ministry warning adopted Israeli claims that the July 27 missile attack on Majdal Shams, controlled by Israel on the Golan Heights, originated from Lebanon, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.
Since then, Israeli attacks on so.