Israeli

10,000 British Nationals in Lebanon Urged to Leave Immediately as Evacuation Troops Stand Ready

Published

3 months ago

September 25, 2024

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Britain is deploying 700 troops to Cyprus in preparation for a potential emergency evacuation of UK citizens from Lebanon as Israeli military operations intensify in the region.

The move comes as thousands of civilians flee southern Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have left large areas of Beirut in ruins, killing hundreds and injuring over 1,000.

Amid the escalating conflict, British nationals in Lebanon are being urged to leave the country. However, with commercial flights to and from Lebanon suspended, options for departure are limited. The Royal Air Force has transport planes and helicopters on standby to assist with the evacuation if needed. Despite this, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has advised citizens not to rely solely on government-arranged escape routes, though military teams are being supported by the department and Border Force.

TOPSHOT - Bystanders and reporters check the destruction in a street under a residential building whose top two floors were hit by an Israeli strike in the Ghobeiri area of Beirut's southern suburbs on September 24, 2024. A Lebanese security source said on September 24 that an Israeli strike hit Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold, as the Israel army confirmed it carried out the strike in the Lebanese capital without giving further details. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images) — Bystanders check the destruction in a street under a residential building whose top two floors were hit by an Israeli strike in the Ghobeiri area of Beiruts southern suburbs Picture AFP

SAYDA, LEBANON - SEPTEMBER 24: The wave of migration from the south of Lebanon, due to Israeli attacks, continues towards the city of Sayda, Lebanon on September 24, 2024. The wave of migration from the south of Lebanon, which has been under Israeli attacks, continues towards the city of Sayda. Tens of thousands of people from the south of the country are migrating towards the capital Beirut and northern regions. Lebanese who had to leave their homes due to the Israeli airstrikes migrated to the city of Sayda with the belongings they could take with them. (Photo by Omar El Bsat/Anadolu via Getty Images) — Highways have become paralysed by the waves of people fleeing from their homes as Israel continues its relentless strikes with hundreds killed Picture Anadolu

Defence Secretary John Healey announced the troop deployment to Cyprus—located about 160 miles across the Mediterranean Sea from Lebanon—during a meeting of the government’s emergency response cell, Cobra.

“Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is,” Healey said. “Our message is clear: British nationals should leave now. We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life.”

Ministry of Defence handout photo of personnel of 40 Commando Brigade and the Joint Force Head Quarters deployed to Cyprus in support of the FCDO Non-combatant Evacuate Operation to remove personnel from Sudan receive early morning briefs, prepare and depart RAF Akrotiri on C-130 Hercules aircraft. Around 1,400 military personnel are involved in the — British oldiers have been dispatched to Cyprus just across the ocean from Lebanon as part of Keir Starmers contingency plans Picture PA

Residents check the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) — Residents check the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburbs Picture AP

He added, “Our Government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate. I want to thank the British personnel deploying in the region for their commitment and professionalism.”

Lebanese officials reported that Israeli strikes have so far killed nearly 560 people, including 94 women and 50 children. An estimated 27,000 displaced civilians have been relocated to 252 temporary shelters, while footage shows many sleeping in cars, parks, and along the coastline.

In addition to Beirut, the towns of Baalbek, Aita, Ain Bourday, Bouday, Taria, and Douris in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley have also been heavily targeted. As southern Lebanon lies in ruins and thousands of civilians flee their homes, Israel claims its intensified bombardment is aimed at disrupting Hezbollah.

An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the airstrikes, stating, “We will strive for the campaign to be as short as possible, but we must be prepared for it to take longer.”

The conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border, which has involved regular clashes between Israel and Hezbollah—a Lebanese political party and militia—has now lasted for nearly 11 months.