China has successfully evacuated 215 of its nationals from Lebanon amid intense bombardments by Israel, resulting in over 1,100 deaths since last month.
Israel recently conducted “ground raids” into southern Lebanon, a stronghold of Iran-backed Hezbollah, following heavy strikes in areas under the group’s influence.
Israel has shifted its focus to securing its northern border with Lebanon, as clashes have escalated since Hezbollah supported its Palestinian ally Hamas after an attack on October 7.
Several countries, including Russia, France, Spain, Germany, and the UK, have also evacuated their nationals from Lebanon in response to the ground raids.
“So far, 215 Chinese citizens have been safely evacuated from Lebanon in two batches under the organisation and arrangement of the Chinese government,” Beijing’s foreign ministry said.
The ministry did not disclose the location where the evacuated Chinese nationals had been taken.
Lebanese authorities report that over 1,110 people have been killed in the country since the escalation in Israeli bombardment on September 23, with more than a million people forced to flee their homes.
China has urged world powers to prevent the conflict from escalating further after Iran fired missiles at Israel, prompting a warning of retaliation from Israel.
Published – October 05, 2024 06:38 pm IST
