Russia has advised its citizens against travelling to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian territories amid flaring tensions over Israel’s war with Hamas, according to AFP.

“The situation in the Middle East is heating up,” Moscow’s foreign ministry said.

“The number of casualties and injuries is rising. Mass protests are taking place around the world,” it said.

“We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from travelling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian territories,” it warned.

On Friday, the Israeli army announced plans to evacuate its northern city of Kiryat Shmona on Friday, after days of clashes with Hezbollah fighters along the border with Lebanon.