On Tuesday, Britain mobilised several hundred soldiers to Cyprus to assist its nationals in evacuating after a signifiLebanon cant escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) urged British nationals to leave immediately, deploying about 700 troops backed by the border force to Cyprus in the coming hours. The air force has aircraft and transport helicopters on standby for additional support if necessary, the FCDO stated.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the urgency, stating, “Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is, which is why our message is clear, British nationals should leave now.”
Intense fighting this week between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah has heightened fears of further destabilisation in the Middle East. A war between Hamas and Israel is already ongoing in Gaza. Israel announced it is shifting its focus from Gaza to the northern frontier, where Hezbollah has been launching rockets into Israel in support of Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.
Around 700 British troops are being sent to Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation of Lebanon is required
Royal Air Force aircraft and transport helicopters are also on standby
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Israel’s offensive since Monday morning has resulted in 569 deaths, including 50 children, and 1,835 injuries in Lebanon, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher TV. Thousands of displaced individuals from southern Lebanon are taking shelter in schools and other buildings.
What Other Media Are Saying
- BBC News reports on escalating hostilities in Lebanon, prompting PM Starmer to urge UK nationals to leave immediately and the UK deploying 700 soldiers to Cyprus for evacuation contingency planning. (Read more)
- Yahoo News reports the UK sending 700 troops to Cyprus for potential Lebanon evacuation, as Britons are advised to leave due to escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. (Read more)
- Sky News: UK troops deploy to Cyprus to prepare for evacuating British nationals from Lebanon amid escalating Middle East tensions and threats of war escalation. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Britain sending troops to Cyprus?
To help British nationals evacuate due to escalating conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah.
How many British troops are being mobilised to Cyprus?
Around 700 troops are being mobilised.
What is the British government’s advice to its nationals in Lebanon?
The British government urges nationals to leave immediately.
What support is being provided for the evacuation?
Aircraft and transport helicopters are on standby for support.
Why is the situation in the Middle East considered volatile?
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, along with the ongoing Gaza conflict, raises fears of regional destabilisation.
