Despite the British government’s warnings, many Britons have remain trapped in Lebanon due to flight cancellations and limited availability.
Reports indicate that between 4,000 and 6,000 UK nationals, including dependents, are currently in the country.
As fighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah, the British government had urged nationals to leave Lebanon immediately.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “Leave now. It’s very important.”
During a recent interview, Sir Keir Starmer reiterated the call for British nationals to evacuate without delay. He highlighted that while contingency plans for an evacuation are being ramped up, individuals should not wait for government assistance, as commercial flights are still available.
At Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, the only civilian airport in Lebanon, most international airlines have suspended flights, leaving only a few carriers, such as Middle East Airlines and Iraqi Airways, operational.
Chloe Lewin, a 24-year-old from London, expressed her frustration, stating, “Keir Starmer’s telling everyone to get out, but we can’t. You can’t get out this week because they’re all full, and every time you get to the last page of the booking, it crashes.”
Her friends have also experienced cancelled flights, adding to their distress.
The situation is dire for those who wish to leave. Isabella Baker, a student studying human rights, shared her plan to travel to Tripoli and then by boat to Turkey, as she felt too scared to go to the airport. She voiced her empathy for Lebanese nationals and migrants unable to leave.
Amid the chaos, some Britons have chosen to stay in Lebanon. Anne Bouji, who has lived in the country for seven years, explained her decision to remain with her husband, who is unable to leave due to his lack of a British passport. She described the atmosphere in parts of Beirut as calm but noted the pervasive fear among the population.
As tensions escalate, the UK government has increased its military presence in Cyprus, dispatching around 700 additional personnel as a precaution for potential evacuation scenarios. The Foreign Office continues to advise nationals to leave while commercial routes are still operational, highlighting the precarious situation.
With the conflict showing no signs of abating, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the UN Security Council, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, warning that the region is on the brink of further escalation. The UK government has committed £5 million to UNICEF to support humanitarian efforts in the region and is encouraging British nationals to register their presence in Lebanon through official channels.
Chioma Kalu
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