Ministry says Lebanon too dangerous for travellers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is warning New Zealanders against travelling to Lebanon, saying there is extreme risk to their safety.

Six New Zealanders in Beirut have registered with the ministry and have been told to exercise caution, stay indoors and follow any instructions issued by the authorities.

The ministry advises against all travel to the southern suburbs of Beirut and areas south of the capital after Israel launched as offensive following the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hizbollah guerrillas two days ago.

It also advised against non-essential travel in any areas within 25km south of Israel's northern border because of missiles being fired from Lebanon.

Auckland Lebanese Society president Joseph Howley said he knew four New Zealanders who were in Lebanon either touring or visiting family.

He said they could not leave the country by air or by land.

"It's no place to be in at the moment because you could easily get run over."

Mr Howley said the Lebanese community in New Zealand numbered several thousand and would be sad that the country was under attack.

"I feel Lebanon is paying a high price for what Hizbollah [militia] has done .

"It is unfair for Israel to deal with this matter by bombing civilians, the airport and the roads and making the whole country suffer because of Hizbollah's stupid attempts to break the peace."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also advised New Zealanders of an extreme risk to their safety in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

It has advised against all travel.

The ministry said it continued to advise against all travel to Gaza and the West Bank (Occupied Territories) because of the ongoing violence and the threat of kidnapping of foreign nationals.

New Zealand tourists in Israel should be security conscious and be extra vigilant in crowded or landmark places as well as near hotels.

Tourist areas should be avoided, said the ministry.