Frustrated British citizens trapped in Israel denounce Foreign Office for neglecting to orchestrate their evacuation during Iran's ballistic missile assault
Stranded Britons are up in arms, claiming that the British Foreign Office has deserted them during Israel's clash with Iran, failing to devise a concrete evacuation plan. According to these individuals, foreign office officials are merely suggesting a risky bus journey to Egypt or Jordan as a means of escape.
Some reports suggest that around 60,000 Brits live in Israel, with many more visiting since the air battle with Iran erupted. Those trapped in the conflict zone are also furious, as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, led by David Lammy, evacuated the diplomats' families from the Embassy in Tel Aviv yet provided no assistance for regular citizens.
Israeli airspace has remained closed since last week, and the only planes allowed to land are IDF repatriation jets. Max Radford, stuck in Tel Aviv, admits he has "no clear sight" of when he might return to the UK. Radford criticized the advice to travel to Jordan or Egypt, asserting, "It's against local guidance to hide when there's a rocket attack. What are you supposed to do? Hide in a sand dune?"
Instead, Radford advocates for preparation in Cyprus, which is just a short flight or boat ride away. He deems the Foreign Office guidance to be preposterous. Judah, another stranded Brit, has called the Foreign Office for help but received no advice or support, and no return phone call.
An FCDO spokesperson stated that the safety and security of British nationals is paramount, urging them to register their presence and closely follow travel advice. Despite this, no alternative evacuation routes beyond Egypt or Jordan have been specified by the UK government or authorities at this time.
Regardless, the UK government remains vigilant, working with Israeli authorities to secure charter flights to evacuate British nationals from Tel Aviv once Israeli airspace reopens, and providing support for those who choose to cross land borders into neighboring countries [1][5].
[1] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories[5] https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/more-than-60000-british-israelis-gear-up-for-attack-as-tehran-revs-up-for-revenge/ar-AAs30Nl
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts between Israel and Iran have prompted anger among stranded Britons, who claim that the British Foreign Office has been inadequate in devising a safe evacuation plan, suggesting risky bus journeys to Egypt or Jordan as an option.
- As the politics surrounding the evacuation of British citizens from Israel's conflict zone unfold, some citizens like Max Radford are advocating for alternative plans, such as preparedness in Cyprus, due to the questionable guidance provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
