Fears of a wider Middle East conflict have intensified following a deadly missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged British nationals to leave Lebanon and avoid traveling to the country as tensions escalate in the region. Lammy highlighted that events are "fast-moving" and that Foreign Office staff are working "round the clock" to ensure the safety of UK citizens.

This plea comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict, following an increase in hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah over the weekend.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance, warning that events in the region could escalate "with little warning," potentially disrupting commercial routes out of Lebanon. They advised, "Do not rely on FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] being able to evacuate you in an emergency. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. This may include the ability to leave quickly or to shelter in place if you judge it necessary and safe to do so."

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon surged on Saturday after a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights resulted in the deaths of 12 children. Israel has attributed the attack to Hezbollah, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the group "will pay a heavy price." However, Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the strike.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has seen almost daily exchanges of fire since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began last October, though a full-scale escalation has so far been avoided.

In response to Saturday's attack, the United Kingdom and the United States have led international calls for both Israel and Hezbollah to prevent the situation from spiraling further. Photo by Tasnim News Agency, Wikimedia commons.