The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has raised the outbound travel alert for Israel and Iran to black – the highest level in the city’s three-tier alert system, signifying a severe threat – in view of the latest developments there.

“Due to the highly unpredictable security situation in Israel and Iran, the HKSAR government advises Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Israel and Iran,” a government spokesman said in a notification Thursday evening.

Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately, the spokesman added.

On Thursday, strikes escalated for a seventh day in the Israel-Iran conflict, with further damage to atomic energy sites deep in Iran and senior US officials "preparing for the possibility of a strike on Iran in the coming days". US President Donald Trump reportedly told aides on Tuesday that he had approved attack plans but was holding off to see if Iran would give up its nuclear program.

READ MORE: White House: Trump to decide on Iran action in two weeks

Several countries have suspended embassy operations in Teheran since the conflict between Iran and Israel began. The closure of the airspace and several airports has made it difficult for many countries to evacuate their citizens from the two countries.

Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has said it will continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Iran and issue updates through the media, the bureau’s mobile app, and its outbound travel alert webpage.

In addition to attending to their personal safety, the bureau advised Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran to pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassy there.

Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app.

They can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form.

Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy by calling the Embassy in Israel at (972) 35459520 or the Embassy in Iran at (98) 9122176035.

ALSO READ: State media: Iran struck Israeli military intelligence sites, not hospital

Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong.

The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means on a timely basis when necessary.