The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Israel and the occupied territories following Saturday’s attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The UK Government is not believed to be considering any evacuations of British nationals in the region at this stage.
Travel advice to Israel
Officials updated the Government’s travel advice to Israel on Sunday afternoon saying Britons should avoid all travel to Gaza and the surrounding region, as well as within 500m of the border with Lebanon - the “Blue Line” - and within 500m of the border with Syria known as the “Alpha Line”.
The UK advises against all but essential travel to areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank. This includes Jenin refugee camp and all areas north of this until the Jalamah checkpoint for access to Israel.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is also in contact with a number of British nationals on the ground in Israel.
“There is currently a large-scale conflict happening in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza,” said the FCDO.
“The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. You should check with your airlines and travel insurers before travelling,” they added.
Flight cancellations
Several international carriers have suspended flight services to or from Tel Aviv as they wait for safety conditions to improve.
EasyJet has paused flight operations to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport due to the “evolving situation”. Many other European and US carriers have suspended flights to Israel, although Ben Gurion airport remains open.
British Airways and Israeli carrier El Al are continuing to operate to and from the airport. El Al said it was operating “in accordance with the instructions of Israeli security forces”.
Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.
“Wizz Air is the most affected group with its operations accounting for some 9.4 per cent of Israel’s total October capacity and ... representing some 2.3% of the carrier’s total schedules,” Irish brokerage Goodbody said.
Lufthansa group cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv through Monday.
Portugal’s TAP suspended flights up until Monday and offered refunds or rescheduling at no additional cost. Virgin Atlantic said it would continue to run some flights but that customers could rebook or request a refund until October 15.
Flight tracking site Flightradar24 listed upcoming Ben Gurion arrivals from airlines including Ryanair, flyDubai and national carrier El Al.
