Thousands of British citizens in Lebanon have been advised to evacuate immediately as the government prepares to send in troops for their rescue.

As the conflict between Israel and Lebanon continues to escalate, Britain is taking action to ensure the safety of its citizens. In the wake of Israel's relentless bombings, which have left thousands of civilians displaced and hundreds dead or injured, the British government has announced that 700 troops will be deployed to Cyprus, just 160 miles away from Lebanon. This move was decided upon during a meeting of the government's emergency response team, Cobra, yesterday.

Defence Secretary John Healey stressed the urgency of the situation, urging British nationals to leave Lebanon immediately. However, with airlines not currently operating to the region, their options are limited. In the meantime, the Royal Air Force has placed planes and transport helicopters on standby to provide support. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also cautioned British citizens not to solely rely on the government for emergency escape routes, but rather to seek alternative means of evacuation with the support of the Border Force and military teams.

The situation on the ground in Lebanon is dire. Highways are congested with people fleeing their homes, and footage has shown individuals seeking refuge in temporary shelters, cars, parks, and even along the beach. Israeli strikes have not only devastated the capital of Beirut but also targeted other towns and cities in the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction and displacement.

Despite the mounting casualties and destruction, the British government is urging all sides to step back from the conflict and prevent further loss of life. They are also ensuring that preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate further. Healey expressed his gratitude to the British personnel being deployed in the region for their commitment and professionalism.

As the conflict rages on, Israel claims to be targeting Lebanon with such intensity in an effort to disrupt Hezbollah, a Lebanese political party and militia. The Foreign Office's travel advice for Lebanon, which has not been updated since September 20, remains in effect, advising against all travel to the country due to the ongoing conflict between Israel, Hezbollah, and other non-state actors.

The FCDO has also advised individuals to check with airlines and travel companies for updates on flight availability and ensure that their travel documents are up to date. They have also cautioned against relying on the government to evacuate them in case of an emergency. Meanwhile, Israel has stated that the campaign may take longer than expected, but they are striving to keep it as short as possible. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing for the past 11 months, with tensions escalating along the Israel-Lebanon border.

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