German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called on German citizens to leave Lebanon due to escalating tensions in the region.
Her renewed appeal follows the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran, and the targeted strike on prominent Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon.
Baerbock stated that all German citizens in Lebanon should leave the country while they still can. She emphasized that in the current tense situation, every decision can either ease the situation or add fuel to the fire.
The German Foreign Ministry noted that everyone, especially Iran, should show restraint and de-escalate the situation for the sake of the people in the region.
Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of Haniyeh’s killing and have threatened retaliation. Hezbollah has not yet commented but has announced a speech by its leader Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday.
Baerbock stressed the importance of preventing a regional conflict and avoiding the entire area descending into chaos.
The German government, in collaboration with its partners and through diplomatic channels, is doing everything possible to prevent escalation and regional conflict.
The Foreign Ministry noted that Baerbock is in close contact with European Union partners and Middle Eastern representatives, with diplomatic efforts ongoing.
