Belgium is advising its nationals to leave Lebanon, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday, confirming information released earlier by Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder.
"In view of the risks of escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, in consultation with the government, has taken the decision to modify the travel advisory for Lebanon," her office said in a statement.
"Belgians on the ground are now asked to leave the country as quickly as possible," the statement quoted the head of Belgian diplomacy as saying. "According to our information, the situation could deteriorate very quickly."
"Commercial flights are still available at present. Foreign Affairs is fully mobilised to inform and support Belgians on the spot," the office added.
Since Monday, Belgians had already been advised to postpone all non-essential travel to Lebanon.
Other countries have already called on their nationals to leave Lebanon, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Canada.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shi'ite militia, and various Palestinian factions have been exchanging cross-border fire with Israel on a daily basis since the Palestinian Hamas movement launched its attack on Israeli soil on 7 October, triggering a war that has claimed thousands of lives.
On Friday, Israel decided to evacuate the town of Kiryat Shmona, on its border with Lebanon.
