China announced that over 200 citizens and their foreign relatives were evacuated from Lebanon, according to an announcement from the Chinese embassy in Beirut on Wednesday.
This evacuation occurred as Israel began a ground offensive into Lebanon, escalating fears of a full-scale war in the area.
“On [Tuesday], a group consisting of 146 Chinese citizens and five of their foreign family members arrived safely in Beijing,” the embassy stated.
Additionally, another group of 69 Chinese individuals along with 11 foreign relatives were transported to Cyprus on a Chinese ship.
The embassy confirmed that all Chinese citizens wishing to leave Lebanon had been evacuated safely, though embassy staff would continue to stay in the country.
This development followed shortly after Israel commenced what it described as “targeted ground raids” in Lebanon, which it claims target the Iran-supported Hezbollah.
This action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that began a year ago between Israel and Gaza.
Since Monday, two divisions of the Israeli army have been engaged in these operations in southern Lebanon, though details on casualties have not been disclosed.
The Israeli military characterized these actions as “limited, localized, and targeted raids” aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure along the border.
Additionally, the military has advised residents of approximately 50 Lebanese villages to evacuate their homes, with instructions not to move south.
Hezbollah group announced targeting a large Israeli infantry force in northern Israel with rocket and artillery weapons.
The group stated in a message on Telegram that it targeted “a large infantry force in the Miskaf’am settlement with rocket and artillery weapons, achieving a direct and precise hit.”
On Tuesday evening, the Israeli military announced that Iran had launched hundreds of rockets towards Israel. The military spokesperson urged Israelis to remain alert and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command precisely.
