The Israeli government says the aim of its operation is to stop Hezbollah from being able to fire into northern Israel - something the militant group has done since a day after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza.
'Leave NOW', PM tells Brits in Lebanon: MoD scrambles marines to save 10,000 in Dunkirk-style evacuation dubbed 'Operation Meteoric' - amid fears Middle East war could explode
'Leave immediately,' Starmer tells Britons in Lebanon
- as UK troops sent to Cyprus
- as UK troops sent to Cyprus
Two British warships are already in the region and would be used if any evacuation operation is ordered. Royal Air Force planes and helicopters are also on standby.
Wednesday 25 September 2024 17:20, UK
A major UK military base in Cyprus - RAF Akrotiri - would be an important staging post.
Image:RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
The deployment of military personnel - who will add to hundreds of troops already on the ground in Cyprus on standby for an evacuation - was expected to happen overnight and on Wednesday. They will be supported by Border Force and Foreign Office officials.
The move marks a significant ramping up of UK efforts to prepare for a potential large-scale evacuation operation - a complex and dangerous move that has long been anticipated as a possibility given the volatility on the ground.
A government statement described it as "the first phase of its contingency plans following significant escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in recent days".
- Thousands of British nationals are in Lebanon.
Sir Keir said he was "worried about the situation" in Lebanon, adding:
"I think we need to be clear we need de-escalation, we need a ceasefire, we need to pull back from the brink."
"I think we need to be clear we need de-escalation, we need a ceasefire, we need to pull back from the brink."
Uploaded: Sep 24, 2024
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