A number of incidents have rocked the Middle East in recent weeks. On July 27, a missile strike on Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 children; days later, Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon that wounded at least 74 others. This past Wednesday, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated with a hidden explosive device in Tehran, Iran.
As these events intensify regional tensions, the Foreign Ministry has called upon the relevant parties to show self-control and resolve differences through communication and dialogue. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Y.J. Liu (劉永健) expressed his concerns about the matter, particularly with regard to Taiwanese citizens abroad.
Speaking to media, Liu reminded citizens to be mindful of the developing situation in Israel and Lebanon, and to avoid traveling there in the near future. He also urged any citizens currently engaged in business or travel activities in the area remain vigilant and prioritize their own safety, as well as to take the initiative to contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Tel-Aviv as needed. Taiwanese in Lebanon should seek assistance from the TECO located in Amman, Jordan.