The Indian Embassy in Beirut on Thursday issued an advisory to its citizens where it asked nationals not to travel to Lebanon till further notice and directed those currently present in the country to leave it amid escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah.

In its advisory, the embassy said: "In view of recent development and potential threats in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice."

"All Indian are also strongly advised to leave Labanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: [email protected] or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement said.

The advisory was issued by the Indian Embassy following the suspected assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on Wednesday and the killing of Shukur by Israel in Beirut later, triggering further tension in the region.

Israel's army confirmed on Thursday that Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif was killed in an airstrike last month in the southern Gaza Strip, AFP reported.

The announcement followed reports from Hamas and Iran that the Palestinian movement's chief, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran, though Israel has not commented on that claim.

"Mohammed Deif, the Osama bin Laden of Gaza, was eliminated on July 13," said Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The army stated that fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and, based on intelligence, confirmed that Deif was killed in the strike.

Deif was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the report said, citing the military.