British nationals told to leave Lebanon now amid fears of war between Israel and Hezbollah | Politics | News


British nationals are being urged to leave Lebanon amid fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said events were “fast-moving” and Foreign Office staff are working “round the clock” to help ensure the safety of UK citizens.

Fierce diplomatic efforts are being made to prevent the conflict spiralling into regional war after an escalation in fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has started moving precision-guided missiles into position, officials have claimed.

The Foreign Secretary said on Monday: “We are advising British nationals to leave Lebanon and not to travel to the country.

“This is a fast-moving situation.

“FCDO staff are working round the clock to help ensure the safety of British nationals.”

In its travel guidance, the Foreign Office warns events in the region could escalate with “little warning” and leave commercial routes out of Lebanon severely disrupted.

“Do not rely on FCDO being able to evacuate you in an emergency,” it adds.

“You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.

“This may include the ability to leave quickly or to shelter in place if you judge it necessary and safe to do so.”

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily over the border since the war in Gaza erupted in October, but tensions have heightened following a strike in the Golan Heights.

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed heavy retaliation and blamed Hezbollah for the rocket, which killed 12 children in the Israeli-controlled area.

Unusually, Hezbollah has denied any role in the strike.

Early on Monday, Israeli strikes hit a motorcycle in Lebanon near the border, killing two people and wounding three others, Lebanese state media said.

Visiting the football field in Majdal Shams hit by the rocket, Israel’s prime minister Mr Netanyahu said: “The state of Israel will not and cannot overlook this.

“Our response will come, and it will be severe.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday, emphasising the “importance of preventing escalation” and discussing efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to months of conflict.

Thousands of mourners laid to rest on Monday the 12th victim of the strike. The body of 11-year-old Guevara Ibrahim was carried through the streets of Majdal Shams in a procession of black-clad mourners.

Netanyahu spoke as he visited the soccer field in Majdal Shams and met with leaders of the Druze community.

“These children are our children, they are the children of all of us,” he said as officials laid a wreath on the field. “The state of Israel will not and cannot overlook this. Our response will come, and it will be severe,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also visited the town, saying Hezbollah will “pay a price” for the attack. He did not elaborate, saying only, “We will let actions speak for themselves.”

Israel’s military says Hezbollah fired an Iranian-made Falaq rocket with a 53-kilogram (117-pound) warhead.

Hezbollah has started moving precision-guided missiles for use if needed, an official with a Lebanese group told The Associated Press, without elaborating on where they are being moved.

The official said Hezbollah’s stance has not changed and it does not want a full-blown war with Israel, but if war breaks out it will fight without limits. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military activities.



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