Israel-Lebanon latest: Calls for UK evacuation flights grow as hopes for ceasefire fade and strikes continue
As Israeli airstrikes continue to pound Lebanon and ceasefire hopes dwindle, British nationals stranded under bombardment are urging the UK government to send evacuation flights.
Despite a directive from the prime minister to “leave immediately” Britons speaking with the media say all commercial flights are sold out and are pleading for safe routes to leave.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says talks for a ceasefire in Lebanon will continue as he prepares to address the UN General Assembly on Friday — with Western leaders pushing for a deal before his speech.
But hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, driven by a US-led initiative, have faded following conflicting statements from Netanyahu. Despite early optimism for a pause in hostilities, Netanyahu’s comments—first supporting then tempering expectations—mirror his previous mixed messaging on Gaza.
The situation deteriorated further on Friday, with Israeli strikes killing a family of nine in a Lebanese border village and exchanges of cross-border missile fire continuing.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer strengthened calls for a temporary ceasefire in his address to the UN last night, with the UK, US and the EU proposing an immediate 21-day pause in fighting “to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement”.
