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Starmer calls on Britons in Lebanon to ‘leave immediately’ and deploys troops for possible evacuation

Starmer calls on Britons in Lebanon to 'leave immediately' and deploys troops for possible evacuation

September 25 () –

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on Britons in Lebanon to “leave immediately” amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militia party Hezbollah, and has ordered the deployment of 700 troops to Cyprus for a possible emergency evacuation.

“Now is the time to leave,” he said, adding that he was “stepping up contingency plans” in “light of the escalation.” The British government has stressed that it “continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon,” as the situation in the country is deteriorating “rapidly, with devastating consequences,” according to the BBC.

Defence Secretary John Healey said they continue to “urge all parties to withdraw from the conflict to avoid further tragic loss of life.” “Our Government is ensuring that every preparation is made to support British citizens if the situation deteriorates,” he said.

The Israeli army has carried out numerous bombings in various parts of Lebanon over the past two days, killing more than 550 people. Tensions have been rising in recent days, especially following a wave of coordinated explosions last week targeting communications devices allegedly used by Hezbollah.

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