The United Kingdom charters a flight for Britons to leave Lebanon in the face of “growing violence”

The Foreign Minister warns that “it is vital that they leave now” because “it is possible that there will not be a new evacuation”

Oct. 1 () –

The United Kingdom Government announced late Monday night that it has chartered a commercial flight for British citizens who are in Lebanon and want to leave the country “following the growing violence in the region,” when the Israeli Army has begun a ground military offensive in the south of Lebanese territory after an intense bombing campaign against the Shiite militia party Hezbollah.

The British Foreign Office has specified that the flight is scheduled to depart from Beirut International Airport this Wednesday, while it has warned that “any other flights in the coming days will depend on demand and the security situation on the ground.” . In addition, it has indicated that “vulnerable British citizens will have priority for this flight”, including their partners and minors, according to a statement published by it on its website.

“The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has the potential to deteriorate rapidly. The safety of British citizens in Lebanon remains our top priority. That is why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wishing to leave. It is vital to leave now, since a new evacuation may not be guaranteed,” warned the head of British diplomacy, David Lammy.

As noted by the Ministry, the Government has worked with partners in recent weeks to increase commercial flight capacity to allow British citizens to leave the country, and has now contracted a flight to provide that additional capacity. Those who are registered with the Ministry will receive information on how to request a seat. “If you are a British citizen in Lebanon who has not yet registered your stay, please do so immediately,” he urged.

Last week, London deployed 700 troops to Cyprus for contingency planning for a “variety of scenarios” in the region. In addition, a rapid deployment team arrived in Lebanon to reinforce the support offered by British Embassy officials.