Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly issued a stern warning on Tuesday to Canadian citizens currently in Lebanon, urging them to leave the country amid escalating armed conflict in the region.

"If the armed conflict intensifies, it could impact your ability to leave the country and our ability to provide you with consular services," Joly cautioned. "Canada is not currently offering assisted departures or evacuations for Canadians in Lebanon, and these are not guaranteed."

Joly's statement underscores the heightened risks for Canadians in Lebanon as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. She reiterated the government's position against traveling to Lebanon, advising Canadians already in the country to depart while commercial flights are still operating.

"My message to Canadians has been clear since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East: it is not the time to travel to Lebanon. And for Canadians currently in Lebanon, it is time to leave, while commercial flights remain available," Joly emphasized.