Norway, Belgium, and France urge citizens to leave Lebanon amid rising tensions

The incident has heightened regional tensions and prompted strong reactions from European governments.

The Belgian Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs has advised against all travel to Israel, Jerusalem, the Palestinian Territories, and Lebanon. "In view of recent developments in the region, following the impact of a missile on a football pitch in Majdal Shams, Belgian citizens are also invited to leave Lebanon," the ministry stated on its website.

Similarly, the French Foreign Ministry has condemned the attack, which targeted the Druze city of Majdal Shams in the occupied Syrian Golan. "France condemns in the strongest terms the attack which hit the Druze city of Majdal Shams, with a particularly heavy toll," read the notice. France extended condolences to the victims' families, noting that many minors were among the casualties, and expressed solidarity with the injured. The ministry emphasized the need to avoid further military escalation and reiterated its advice for French citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories.

Norway's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement urging its citizens to leave Lebanon. "We strongly condemn attacks against civilians: all parties must do everything possible to protect civilians in accordance with their obligations under humanitarian law," said the Norwegian Foreign Minister.

These coordinated advisories come amid a backdrop of increasing violence and instability in the region, with European nations seeking to ensure the safety of their nationals. (ILKHA)