TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Monday (Aug. 5) that three Taiwanese remain in Lebanon as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have significantly escalated. 

According to MOFA, there were initially five Taiwanese citizens residing in Lebanon, per CNA. Of the three citizens remaining, two chose to stay due to family reasons, and the third, a student, agreed to depart the country after persuasion. 

Tensions rose after the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ political chief in Iran, which both groups say Israel is responsible for. Hezbollah said the conflict “entered a new phase” and vowed a "real" response, while Israel has been bracing for retaliation from Iran amid fears of an all-out regional war. 

MOFA appealed to the public to avoid traveling to Israel and Lebanon and evacuate as soon as possible due to fears of an imminent war. It said its representative office in Jordan maintains contact with its citizens living in Lebanon and would provide assistance when necessary.

For those who need assistance in Lebanon, they should call Taiwan’s representative office in Jordan at +962 -79-5552605 or the "Emergency Service Hotline for Foreigners Traveling" at +886-800-085-095. For those who need assistance in Israel, the emergency contact number of the representative office in Tel Aviv is +972-544-275-204.