British nationals stranded in Israel are set to be flown home as soon as the country’s airspace reopens, the Foreign Secretary has announced.
The Foreign Office has been working with Israeli authorities to organise charter flights from Tel Aviv airport.
The number of flights is unclear at the moment, but David Lammy has said it will be based on demand from British nationals.
The foreign secretary said: “As part of our efforts to support British nationals in the Middle East, the Government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport when airspace reopens, based on levels of demand from British nationals.
“British nationals should register their presence in Israel and the OPTs to be contacted with further guidance on these flights.”
“Land routes out of Israel remain open and UK staff are on hand to support British nationals who have crossed the border. This will include providing, transport – subject to demand – to nearby airports for onward commercial flights.
“We continue to push for a diplomatic solution to avoid a deepening conflict.”
The move comes amid the spiralling conflict in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged all sides to reach a diplomatic outcome.
But Number 10 on Friday morning said that the situation remains “fast-moving” and would continue to be monitored closely.
A spokesman added: “We are advising British nationals to continue to register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, to be contactable with further guidance on these flights.
“The Foreign Secretary will shortly announce that the Government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport once airspace reopens.”
Sir Keir has also urged Donald Trump to step back from military action against Iran which could deepen the crisis in the Middle East.
The PM said there is a “real risk of escalation” in the conflict as he urged all sides to seek a diplomatic outcome.
He said there had previously been “several rounds of discussions with the US” and “that, to me, is the way to resolve this issue”.
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