The Malaysian government is evacuating embassy staff in Lebanon.

The Malaysian government has decided to evacuate the families of its embassy staff in the Lebanese capital Beirut amid a recent escalation of hostilities affecting southern Lebanon, Malaysian news agency Bernama reports.

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Earlier it was reported that the Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces announced a plan to evacuate residents of 28 settlements in the north of the country on the border with Lebanon.

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According to Bernama, the families of the diplomatic mission staff will have to remain in Malaysia until the threat to their safety is no longer present. The country’s Foreign Ministry said the decision was a proactive step by the government to ensure the safety of its citizens.

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“However, the Malaysian Embassy will continue to operate as usual,” the department clarified.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry also suggested that Malaysians postpone travel to Lebanon.