UK government arranges Israel flights for stranded Brits

The UK government is arranging flights for British citizens wanting to leave Israel, the foreign office has confirmed.

The first of the commercial flights is expected to depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv today (Thursday, October 12), with tickets costing £300.

Vulnerable people are being prioritised initially and the foreign office said it is contacting those who are eligible, warning British nationals to stay away from the airport unless they are called.

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Seats will later be made available to all British nationals, who are being encouraged to register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to receive updates.

The flights have been arranged after Hamas attacks in Israel and reprisals from the Israeli government since the weekend, which led to airlines suspending services.

The UK government said officials have been “working around the clock” in London, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to support British citizens in Israel, with a rapid deployment team also having been sent to the country to help British consular staff.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “The safety of all British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be our utmost priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our travel advice.

“Those in Israel and the OPTs, including Gaza, are advised to register their presence with the Foreign Office (Israel travel advice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

“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.”

Foreign secretary James Cleverly visited Israel yesterday (Wednesday, October 11). The FCDO said he reiterated the UK’s “unwavering solidarity with the Israeli people” and outlined the UK’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

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