France warns nationals against traveling to Mideast amid risks of 'military escalation'

ANKARA

France on Thursday warned its citizens against traveling to Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian Territories amid risks of "military escalation."

"Due to risks of military escalation in the Middle East, citizens are strictly advised … against traveling to Israel and the Palestinian Territories …," the Foreign Ministry said on its website.

It also warned the French nationals against traveling to Lebanon, including for touristic and familial purposes.

The Israeli military struck southern Beirut on Tuesday, killing senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr.

Hours later, a strike in Tehran killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the attack that also killed the political bureau chief's bodyguard.

Israel has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza since a cross border incursion by Hamas on Oct. 7. The actions have left most of the 2.3 million people of the enclave hungry and homeless.