JOHANNESBURG, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Wednesday advised citizens to evacuate cities and countries affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

As of Wednesday, over 6,400 South African citizens have registered their presence in the Middle East, DIRCO said in a statement.

Noting that several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region, DIRCO said that "citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue in the coming days."

The warning came after the military operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran has led several Middle Eastern nations to partially or fully close their airspace.

Earlier on Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for an immediate end to the escalating hostilities, speaking on the sidelines of an energy conference in Cape Town.

"There must be a ceasefire. Dialogue is always the best way of ending conflict and then ending the war. We want this war to come to an end immediately," he said.

He added that South Africa remains "always ready to play a contributing role, either in mediation or whatever" to fulfill its international obligations. ■