Seventeen British nationals, including children, are dead or missing in Israel after attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Palestinian health officials have said 1,200 people have died in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, while the death toll from the Hamas attack launched at the weekend is also 1,200, Israeli officials say.
Rishi Sunak said the UK Government was ready to support any British citizens in need of help, telling broadcasters: “I know there will be families who are anxious about their loved-ones in the region.
“I want to reassure them we’re doing everything we can, working very closely with the Israeli authorities to establish what is happening on the ground, provide support to people where it’s needed.
“I’d urge anyone there to contact the Foreign Office so that they have their details, follow the advice locally from the Israelis but also from the Foreign Office, and we stand ready to support everyone as best we can.”
The escalating situation between Israel and Palestine has led to fears over travelling to and around neighbouring countries. Here is the latest advice for Cyprus, and what its government has said about the conflict.
Is it safe to travel to Cyprus?
Cyprus is not affected by the conflict, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any advice against travelling to Cyprus.
The country’s foreign ministry in Nicosia said on Tuesday that it is prepared to help with the evacuation of people who are trying to flee the war zone in Israel.
Its repatriation scheme offers temporary accommodation and assistance to EU and third-country nationals fleeing areas of crisis.
“In this context, the Republic of Cyprus intends to offer facilities for the repatriation of foreign nationals from Israel through Cyprus,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Is it safe to travel to Israel?
The FCDO is advising against “all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories”, and against all travel to the following locations:
- Gaza;
- The Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar;
- Within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the “Blue Line”) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town;
- Within 500m of the border with Syria (the “Alpha Line”);
- The area close to the border with Gaza that includes: south-west of Ashkelon, and south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva.
The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country, meaning international borders could close at short notice.
Anyone currently in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories is advised to register their presence with the FCDO here. It can then share important updates with you, including information to support you to leave the country.
Despite the warnings, the UK is not currently planning to follow other European nations in evacuating citizens from Israel.
