The UK government is making a concerted effort to facilitate evacuation flights for British nationals currently in Israel amid escalating tensions in the region. An RAF flight carrying vulnerable British citizens and their families departed from Tel Aviv to Cyprus earlier today, marking a crucial step in the government’s ongoing evacuation efforts. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the safety of British nationals remains the top priority, stating that the government is collaborating closely with Israeli authorities to arrange further flights based on demand and the evolving security situation.
As of now, around 1,000 people have sought a place on evacuation flights, with approximately 4,000 British nationals having registered their presence in Israel and Palestine with the Foreign Office. Lammy noted that the recent flight is designed to safely transport individuals back to the UK, while urging those still in the region to register their presence for further assistance.
The Foreign Office has also updated travel advice for British nationals in Qatar, recommending that they “shelter in place” due to a US security alert affecting the Gulf state. This comes as the Middle East faces a volatile situation, with recent missile attacks leading to casualties, including one reported injury of a British national in Israel.
In related developments, Lammy addressed concerns about a potential nuclear threat posed by Iran, warning that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it could prompt other Middle Eastern states to follow suit, further destabilizing the region. He reassured MPs that the UK will remain committed to preventing nuclear proliferation and managing the ongoing conflicts that have arisen.
Overall, while the situation in the Middle East is precarious, the UK government’s proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and repatriation of its nationals, demonstrating a commitment to responding effectively during this crisis.