Britons Urged to Leave Lebanon as Conflict Intensifies, Warns Prime Minister Starmer
As violence between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a strong warning for UK citizens in Lebanon to “leave immediately.” The UK government is ramping up contingency plans, with hundreds of British troops deployed to Cyprus to prepare for a potential evacuation.
British nationals in Lebanon have been advised to leave urgently as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that the region is on the edge of an all-out war. “We are potentially at a brink point,” he said, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
In response, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is dispatching 700 troops to Cyprus to assist in evacuation operations if necessary. These forces will join 500 military personnel already stationed there as part of pre-emptive measures. The government is urging British nationals to book available flights out of Lebanon, though most airlines, except the national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA), have already suspended their operations.
Deteriorating Conditions in Lebanon
Reports from Lebanon describe a rapidly worsening situation. This week alone, Israeli strikes have resulted in more than 560 deaths, with Lebanon’s health minister describing the scene as “carnage.” Hospitals are struggling to cope with the surge of casualties after two days of heavy Israeli airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah.
Lebanese cities, particularly Beirut, are experiencing escalating tension, although some daily life routines continue. Alistair, a British national living in Beirut, described the situation as increasingly dire. “It’s a different level, isn’t it?” he said, calling for diplomatic action to end the violence.
Evacuation Plans
Currently, an estimated 10,000 British citizens remain in Lebanon. The British government has urged them to leave while commercial flights are still available. However, many flights are fully booked or cancelled. British military preparations include deploying two warships, RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Duncan, to the Mediterranean, with Royal Air Force planes and helicopters on standby. These forces, positioned near Lebanon, ensure rapid response in case evacuation becomes necessary.
The situation is reminiscent of the chaotic withdrawal from Kabul in 2021, a scenario Starmer assured would not be repeated. The UK’s earlier evacuation efforts in Gaza last year, where 200 British nationals were safely evacuated, are expected to guide current efforts in Lebanon.
A Worsening Conflict
Tensions in the region have been on the rise since Hamas’ attack on Israel last October, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties. Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has since claimed the lives of over 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Hezbollah, operating out of Lebanon, joined the conflict shortly after, launching thousands of rockets into northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
The escalation between Hezbollah and Israel has significantly worsened in recent days, with Hezbollah striking Israeli military targets using rockets and drones, and Israel responding with heavy airstrikes. Starmer, along with Defence Secretary John Healey, reiterated the call for a ceasefire and de-escalation.
As the world watches the Middle East descend further into violence, Starmer’s warning remains clear: Britons in Lebanon should leave while they still can.
