Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has updated its recommendations for Ukrainian citizens to stay in Israel and Lebanon.

"The Foreign Ministry recommends that citizens refrain from any trips to Israel until the situation stabilizes. We urge those who are already in Israel to follow the updated recommendations published on the Foreign Ministry website. We also recommend refraining from traveling to territories bordering the Lebanese and Syrian borders; territories bordering the Gaza Strip; territories of the West Bank of the Jordan River," the press service of the ministry said.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also strongly recommends refraining from any trips to Lebanon until the security situation stabilizes, and Ukrainian citizens currently in that country to leave its territory. Those who remain are advised to avoid areas bordering the Syrian border, bordering the Israeli border south of the Litani River, the refugee camps of Nahr al-Bared and Beddawi (near Tripoli), Ain al-Hilweh and Mieh Mieh (near Saida), the Beqa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut (Dahieh district).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Ukrainian citizens who are in Israel and Lebanon avoid crowded places, not participate in demonstrations, strictly observe safety measures and rules for the stay of foreigners in the country, comply with the legal requirements of law enforcement agencies, monitor reports from local authorities on the development of the situation and always have identification documents with them.

Ukrainians in Lebanon are also advised to consider shortening their stay in the country. Ukrainian citizens who find themselves in an emergency situation or face a threat to their life and health may, depending on the country of residence, contact either the Ukrainian Embassy in the Lebanese Republic by phone (+961) 592 1668 or by e-mail: [email protected].

In case of an emergency in Israel, it is recommended to contact the Ukrainian Embassy in the State of Israel by emergency phone: (+972) 546 676 782 or by e-mail: [email protected] or the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Ramallah by phone: (+972) 598 239 399 or by e-mail: [email protected].

Citizens may also contact the 24-hour hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine: +38 (044) 238 1657 or by e-mail: [email protected].