LIVE UPDATES
The United Kingdom (UK) has issued a travel advisory for its citizens, recommending that Britons refrain from visiting Israel due to escalating military tensions with Iran.
This warning aims to protect citizens from becoming entangled in the conflict, particularly as Iran prepares for potential attacks on Jerusalem and other cities in Israel.
The advisory from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which includes guidance for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, follows recent missile launches from both nations and a closure of Israeli airspace.
It highlights a rapidly changing situation that carries significant risks, stating, “The situation could deteriorate quickly and without warning.” Those currently in Israel or the Occupied Territories are advised to heed local authorities' guidance.
The updated notice underscores the risks associated with regional escalation; earlier advisories had cautioned Britons against “all travel to parts of Israel,” which was then modified to advise against “all but essential travel” after a state of emergency was declared on June 13. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the priority of safety for British nationals in a brief statement on social media.
The FCDO also recommends avoiding all travel to Iran. James Eden, a British grandfather who traveled to Israel for a six-day Christian pilgrimage on June 9, reported being stranded in Jerusalem and stated that the FCDO informed him there was little assistance they could provide, aside from issuing alerts and monitoring British nationals in the country.
The 72-year-old from Newcastle-upon-Tyne mentioned considering a trip to Egypt to secure a flight back to the UK, although he was informed that the FCDO would not help him in this regard either.
A spokesperson from the FCDO confirmed they were in touch with a British man in Israel and were prepared to assist British nationals around the clock, urging those in the region to stay updated on FCDO Travel Advice. Furthermore, the FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Egypt. On the night of June 12, Israel initiated a new attack on Iran, targeting military facilities, including nuclear sites. In response, Iran conducted retaliatory airstrikes, escalating tensions between the two countries.
Iranian missiles struck areas of Bat Yam and Tamra the previous night, while the Israeli military reported hitting over 80 targets in Tehran overnight.
Over the weekend, the UK government announced it would be deploying additional RAF jets to the Middle East, a move described by the chancellor as a “precautionary measure.”
Concurrently, oil prices saw a surge on Friday amid worries that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies from the region.
