China says it evacuated 215 nationals from Lebanon

China has successfully evacuated 215 of its citizens from Lebanon amidst escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military has been conducting ground raids in southern Lebanon, a region largely controlled by Hezbollah, in response to the group's attacks in support of Hamas following the deadly October 7 assault on Israel. Since Israel began intensifying its strikes on September 23, more than 1,100 people have been killed in Lebanon, and over a million people have been displaced.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that the evacuations were carried out in two phases and organized by the Chinese government. The Chinese Embassy in Lebanon remains operational, offering assistance and advising remaining Chinese nationals to take precautionary measures. The statement did not specify the destination of those evacuated.

The escalation of violence has prompted several other countries, including Russia, France, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon as the situation becomes increasingly unstable. Israel has shifted its military focus to the northern border with Lebanon, where daily clashes have occurred since Hezbollah initiated strikes against Israel.

China has expressed deep concern over the growing instability in the region. On Wednesday, it called on world powers to prevent the situation from further deteriorating, following Iran's missile attacks on Israel. In response, Israel warned Tehran of severe consequences, indicating that it would retaliate against Iran for its involvement in the conflict.

Amid ongoing military operations and civilian evacuations, tensions in the region remain high, with no immediate resolution in sight. The evacuations highlight the urgent need for international intervention to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a broader regional war.