The Prime Minister has issued an order for British nationals living in Lebanon to "leave immediately" as hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the dominant armed group supported by Iran, grow more intense.
Declaring that "we are potentially at a brink" of full-scale conflict, Sir Keir Starmer said, "we are ramping up the contingency plans”.
In anticipation of the potential evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is deploying 700 soldiers to neighbouring Cyprus, while the Government "continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon".
It has been recommended that Britons arrange flights out of the country, but there aren't many options available since most airlines, save from the national carrier, have suspended or ceased operations and are reporting that any vacant slots are now full.
Is it safe to visit Lebanon now?
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is currently advising against all types of travel to Lebanon.
Due to the hazards posed by the current conflict in Lebanon between Israel, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other non-state entities, FCDO strongly cautions against travelling to Lebanon at all.
In Lebanon, there are continuous artillery and mortar exchanges as well as airstrikes; these occur mostly along the border with Israel, although they may also be found in the Beqaa Valley and in a few other areas north of the Litani River.
A targeted attack occurred on September 20 in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Will there be a ceasefire in Lebanon?
Defying friends like the United States, who had demanded an immediate three-week ceasefire in order to allow for negotiation to prevent a wider war, Israel rejected suggestions for a ceasefire with Hezbollah on Thursday, September 26.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on X. “There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes.”
לא תהיה הפסקת אש בצפון. נמשיך להילחם נגד ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בכל העוצמה עד לניצחון והשבת תושבי הצפון בביטחון לבתיהם.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 26, 2024
Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati had voiced optimism that a truce might be established soon in Lebanon, but the statement by Mr Katz crushed expectations for a speedy settlement.
