Government scrambles to evacuate Brits stranded in Israel

STRANDED Britons are set to be evacuated from Israel by emergency chartered flights as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.

- By Martyn Brown Political Editor

Israeli airspace is currently closed due to the ongoing war with Iran.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the Government is now working with local authorities to provide planes out of Tel Aviv airport.

There are understood to be up to 60,000 British citizens living in the country.

The two warring nations have exchanged waves of air strikes since Israel targeted military and nuclear sites last week, as well as military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Mr Lammy said: “As part of our efforts to support British nationals in the Middle East, the Government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport when airspace reopens, based on levels of demand from British nationals.

“British nationals should register their presence in Israel to be contacted with further guidance on these flights.

“Land routes out of Israel remain open and UK staff are on hand to support British nationals who have crossed the border. This will include providing transport — subject to demand — to nearby airports for onward commercial flights.

“We continue to push for a diplomatic solution to avoid a deepening conflict.”

The statement came as Mr Lammy arrived in Geneva for talks with Iran, in the hopes of negotiating an agreement on Tehran’s nuclear programme.