LEBANON: As tensions escalate in the Middle East, several countries have advised their nationals to evacuate Lebanon. The warnings come amid increasing concerns of a broader conflict involving Iran and Israel.

Iran has promised severe retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has yet to comment on the incident. Haniyeh's death came shortly after Israel's strike on Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

The situation has intensified fears that Hezbollah, an Iran-supported militia in Lebanon, could significantly retaliate, potentially provoking a strong Israeli response. Diplomatic efforts from the US and Western nations are ongoing to reduce regional tensions.

Lebanon's primary airport in Beirut has seen a rise in canceled and suspended flights. Countries such as the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey, and Jordan have all urged their citizens to leave Lebanon promptly due to the deteriorating security situation.

Hezbollah has vowed retaliation for Shukr's death, which occurred in their stronghold of Dahiyeh. This followed a deadly strike on the Golan Heights, attributed to Hezbollah by Israel, which killed 12 children and teenagers. Hezbollah has since fired rockets into northern Israel, although Israel's Iron Dome intercepted them, avoiding casualties. In response, Israel has conducted airstrikes on southern Lebanon.

Further complicating matters, two people were killed in a stabbing attack in the Israeli city of Holon on Sunday. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike on a hospital tent in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with Gaza health officials reporting a total of 19 Palestinian deaths that day.

The US embassy in Beirut has advised those remaining in Lebanon to prepare for extended periods of sheltering. The Pentagon is deploying additional military resources to defend Israel against potential attacks from Iran and its allies, following a pattern similar to a previous conflict in April.

The UK is also increasing its military and consular presence in the region to assist with evacuations. British officials have urged citizens to leave while commercial flights are still operational.

Iranian officials have vowed severe punishment for Israel, with Iranian state media warning of extraordinary consequences. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned that challenging times are ahead and that Israel is prepared for various scenarios.

The recent escalation began in October with a Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in significant casualties and a large-scale Israeli military response. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial loss of life, with at least 39,480 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza.

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