Britons Urged to Take Last Mercy Flight Out of Beirut
In a rush to escape the intensifying conflict in Lebanon, hundreds of Brits are set to board a final special flight from Beirut on Sunday as Israeli forces continue to strike at Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon. Around 2,000 British nationals remain in the danger zone and may either require rescue by British naval forces or face taking shelter as the crisis deepens across the Middle East.
Tensions are soaring over potential Israeli retaliation against Iran in a move that could ignite a far more devastating and widespread war across rival nations. Sources from the US and Israel have hinted at an imminent substantial attack by Israel against Iran, causing global apprehension about the possibility of full-scale warfare should Iran retaliate.
According to reports, Israel is primed to unleash a significant vengeance assault on Iranian targets, possibly targeting its nuclear sites or military infrastructure following Tehran’s vigorous missile exchange on Tuesday.
UK authorities are urgently advising all British citizens to evacuate Lebanon without delay, highlighting that Sunday’s departure is scheduled to be the very last available and they must register for evacuation. The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has strongly recommended: “With demand falling, and the security situation deteriorating, there is no guarantee other options to leave quickly will become available. I urge anyone who wants to leave to register now.”
The Foreign Office has stated: “The safety of British nationals is the top priority and around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning.”
Monday marks the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre which incited conflict in Gaza. An Israeli military source conveyed: “The Israeli Defence Force is preparing a response to the unprecedented Iranian attack on Israeli civilians.”
Sunday brings the opportunity for up to 250 Britons to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport aboard the fourth and final UK rescue flight, as Israel intensifies its attacks on Hezbollah positions. The Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyer HMS Duncan, along with contingents of Royal Marines Commandos, remain primed for a potential maritime evacuation mission should orders be issued.