UK government continues to facilitate British nationals leaving Israel and Gaza
The first UK government facilitated flights arrive in the UK and Cyprus.
- 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.
James Cleverly, 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 2 Royal Navy ships, to support regional stability and help prevent escalation.
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