More government repatriation flights from Israel are expected after three departed since Friday for the UK and Cyprus amid escalating war in the country.
British Airways announced on Friday that its service between London and Tel Aviv would remain suspended up to October 18, while Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled until October 20 and EasyJet until October 19 .
El Al said its flights were continuing to operate from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport in accordance with instructions of the Israeli security forces.
Further UK government flights are planned with specialist teams deployed to support vulnerable British nationals, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The FCDO said: “Two UK government Rapid Deployment Teams and British Red Cross responders have also been deployed to support vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave on the flights.
“The UK is also working with Israeli air controllers and the air industry to try to maintain commercial air links and keep a range of transport options under review.
“While commercial flights remain limited, a small number of routes between Israel and Europe, including the UK, are open.”
UK officials are also working with Egyptian authorities to facilitate British and dual nationals, and their spouses and children, leaving Gaza via Rafah in addition to arranging flights from Israel, according to the FCDO.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak has spoke to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi about the situation at the Rafah border crossing, while foreign secretary James Cleverly is in contact with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.
The Israeli military announced on the Friday that the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours.
“British nationals in Gaza should follow this advice and have been messaged by the FCDO to ensure they are on alert to be ready if the crossing opens,” the Foreign Office added.
“The UK continues to call for unimpeded humanitarian access to civilian populations. Vital humanitarian supplies, including food, water and medical supplies necessary for survival must be able to reach innocent civilians.
Britons in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, were last week advised to register their presence with the Foreign Office to receive the latest updates on departure options and updates on the security situation.
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and against all but essential travel to all other parts.
FCDO now also advises against all travel to within 4km of the border with Lebanon.
Cleverly said: “The UK is committed to supporting British nationals in Israel and Gaza following this brutal terror attack by Hamas.
“The safety of all British nationals is our priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our advice and register their presence so we can get in touch.”
Israel’s tourism ministry said in a statement: “We are monitoring the situation and are committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting Israel are safe and informed.
“Israel’s Ministry of Tourism will provide all necessary assistance to those who need it and is operating a tourist hotline via WhatsApp for tourists to stay informed on the situation as it evolves.
“We appreciate the support of the UK and fellow nations in a difficult time for the Israeli nation.”
Virgin Atlantic said: “The safety and security of our customers and our people are our number one priority and our flying programme to Israel remains under constant review.”
Repatriation flight photo: FCDO.