An urgent travel warning has been issued for Israel following missile and drone attacks against the country.
The Foreign Office initially warned against “all but essential travel”, but since the escalating situation, it has advised Britons “against all travel to Israel”.
It stated online: “Iran has launched multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks against Israel. On June 13, a nationwide state of emergency was declared in Israel.
“This followed Israeli strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Israeli airspace remains closed.”
Missiles have been launched towards the Israeli capital of Tel Aviv
REUTERS
The Foreign Office stated that it recognises this is a “fast-moving situation” which presents “significant risks”.
It added: “The situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. The current situation has disrupted air links out of the country and may disrupt road links.”
For the latest guidance, if in Israel, the Foreign Office advised checking the Home Front Command and following the instructions from the Israeli Government.
It added: “The interception of missiles over Israel and the OPTs may result in falling fragments or debris. If you encounter any projectile debris or fragments, you should move away from them immediately and contact local authorities.”
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A total of 10 people have been killed and 170 injured in Iranian strikes on Israel overnight.
Six died in the city of Bat Yam, on the southern outskirts of Tel Aviv. They included two children, killed when their apparent building took a direct hit.
Four people also died in the northern town of Tamra, when missiles destroyed a number of homes.
At least 170 are believed to have been injured in the strikes, with 20 people thought to be trapped beneath the rubble.
Several buildings have been struck across Israel
REUTERS
Iran launched two waves of missiles at Israel, with explosions heard across the country overnight.
Tehran has not given a total number of deaths since the UN envoy for the state reported 78 had been killed, two days ago.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has spoken to his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, voicing his concerns for the Israeli citizens and emphasising the need for “de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East”.
Lammy added: “Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”
