Russia urges citizens to avoid Middle East travel amid rising tensions

"The tense situation in the Middle East region persists," stated the Russian Foreign Ministry. "We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, except in cases of extreme necessity."

This warning follows a similar advisory issued in October after attacks by Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Israel. The recent escalation stems from an Israeli airstrike on April 1st that killed high-ranking Iranian officials in Syria. Iran has vowed retaliation for this attack, further fueling regional anxieties.

The Russian announcement coincides with a 24-hour suspension of flights to Tehran by German airline Lufthansa, citing concerns over a potential military escalation. (ILKHA)