- First UK Government facilitated flights arrive in the UK and
Cyprus with another successfully departing Israel on Saturday
afternoon
- Further Government flights are planned with specialist teams
deployed to support vulnerable British nationals
- British nationals in Gaza told to be ready if the Rafah
crossing opens
Three UK Government facilitated flights have now departed Israel
for the UK and Cyprus, with more expected in the coming
hours.
Two UK Government Rapid Deployment Teams (RDT) and British
Red Cross responders have also been deployed to support
vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave on the flights.
The UK is also working with Israeli air controllers and the air
industry to try to maintain commercial air links and keep a range
of transport options under review. While commercial flights
remain limited, a small number of routes between Israel and
Europe, including the UK, are open.
Earlier this week, the Government advised British nationals in
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza,
to register
their presence with the Foreign Office to receive the
latest updates on departure options and updates on the security
situation.
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise
against all but essential travel to all other parts.
, the Foreign Secretary,
said:
“The UK is committed to supporting British nationals in Israel
and Gaza following this brutal terror attack by
Hamas.
“The safety of all British nationals is our priority and we urge
everyone to continue to follow our advice and register their
presence so we can get in touch.”
In addition to arranging flights from Israel, officials are
working with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate British and
dual nationals, and their spouses and children, leaving Gaza via
Rafah. The Prime Minister spoke to Egyptian President Abdel
Fattah el-Sisi this week about the situation at the Rafah border
crossing, while the Foreign Secretary is in contact with his
Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.
The Israeli military announced on the morning of 13 October that
the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate
to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours. British nationals in
Gaza should follow this advice and have been messaged by the FCDO
to ensure they are on alert to be ready if the crossing
opens.
The UK continues to call for unimpeded humanitarian access to
civilian populations. Vital humanitarian supplies, including
food, water and medical supplies necessary for survival must be
able to reach innocent civilians.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Defence deployed a significant
support package to the region, including RAF surveillance
aircraft and two Royal Navy ships, to support regional stability
and help prevent escalation.
