UK Urges Nationals to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict with Israel-Hezbollah

INTERNATIONAL NEWS : UK Urges Nationals to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict with Israel-Hezbollah

Eight (8) Killed and Thousands Injured After Hezbollah Pagers Explode in Lebanon — REUTERS

The British government has urged its nationals in Lebanon to leave the country immediately as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a stern warning, expressing concern that the region could be on the brink of an all-out war. As fighting escalates, with Israeli air strikes reportedly killing over 560 people in Lebanon, the situation is rapidly deteriorating.

To prepare for a possible evacuation, the UK Ministry of Defence has deployed 700 additional troops to Cyprus, adding to the 500 already stationed there. These forces will be ready to assist in evacuating British citizens should the situation worsen. There are currently around 10,000 UK citizens in Lebanon, and commercial flights out of the country are still available, according to government sources.

The escalation follows the deadly attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023, which killed over 1,200 people and triggered an aggressive military response from Israel. Since then, Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, has ramped up its assaults on Israeli positions, leading to retaliatory air strikes. Hezbollah has launched over 8,000 rockets at northern Israel, while Israel’s counteroffensives have targeted Hezbollah strongholds.

British Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the need for all sides to de-escalate to prevent further loss of life. The British government is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that preparations are in place to protect its citizens. Two British warships, along with Royal Air Force aircraft and helicopters, are already in the region, ready to support evacuation efforts if necessary.

As tensions in the Middle East grow, the conflict and its potential global implications are expected to dominate discussions at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Starmer, deeply concerned about the risk of a wider war, has called for immediate action to prevent further escalation.

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