EIRE LIFTS ON STANDBY

Most vulnerable Irish citizens to be flown home from under-fire Middle East Martin accused of failing to condemn Israel & US for breaking international law

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN and CILLIAN SHERLOCK

THE Government is to fly the first 280 stranded Irish citizens out of the Middle East war zone.

Defence Minister Helen McEntee revealed the first of several mercy missions should leave Oman in the coming days

More than 2,000 trapped citizens have sought emergency assistance from a government help line.

A priority list of those most vulnerable is being drawn up for the first flight and those who qualify will be contacted today.

Tourists and expats have been caught up in conflict which erupted on Saturday when the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran.

Thousands of flights through the UAE were cancelled due to missile and drone strikes across the region.