The Korean Embassy in Lebanon urged Korean residents staying in Lebanon to leave quickly.
The Korean Embassy in Lebanon sent a letter to local Korean residents on the 9th, saying, "Please seriously consider leaving before it is too late," and emphasized, "For the families who love and worry about you, we strongly urge you to follow the measures of the government and the embassy."
Although the United States and Iran announced a cease-fire on the 8th (local time), according to major foreign media including AFP, Israel instead carried out widespread airstrikes on Lebanon. The death toll from Israel's attacks is estimated at more than 200.
In this situation, the Korean Embassy in Lebanon called for the swift departure of Korean residents.
Through the letter, the embassy said, "Today, simultaneous airstrikes by Israel took place across Lebanon, including downtown Beirut and Zahle," adding, "The scope and intensity are expanding to an extent incomparable to before."
It continued, "The Israel Defense Forces said Hezbollah is redeploying out of the southern Beirut area of Dahiyeh to northern Beirut and to areas where sects are mixed," adding, "This suggested that military strikes at a level similar to Dahiyeh could be carried out in those areas as well."
The embassy said, "This means that areas where Korean residents, previously considered relatively safe, are staying are no longer easy to view as safe zones."
It also said, "For now, departure on commercial flights is the most practical and safe means," adding, "These routes of movement, too, can be restricted or suspended at any time, and the timing may not be announced in advance. The embassy will do everything possible to assist, but if the situation worsens, we must be frank that the conditions to provide direct help themselves may be limited."
Lastly, it said, "I can hardly fathom how difficult it is to leave behind your livelihood, family, and the place you call home," adding, "Nevertheless, it is time to judge not 'whether to stay' but 'how long you can leave safely.' Please seriously consider leaving before it is too late."
The Korean Embassy in Lebanon earlier said in a notice that it would temporarily suspend consular service operations.
The embassy said, "In view of the grave situation, including the ongoing war in Lebanon, we will completely suspend operations at the consular service office until further notice," adding, "This is an unavoidable measure that puts your lives and safety first, and we ask for your deep understanding and cooperation."
It added, "Emergency and essential consular services related to the protection of overseas Koreans will continue to be provided on a limited basis."