The family members of British diplomatic workers in Israel have been “temporarily withdrawn” as Iran and Israel continue to exchange fire, the British foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.
Relatives of personnel at the UK embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem have been “temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure,” according to the Foreign Office. personnel at the mission remain.
The withdrawal of the British diplomatic staff comes after hostilities between both warring nations intensified.
Chronicle NG reports that Israel began flying home citizens stranded abroad on Wednesday, launching a phased airlift operation after the country’s surprise military strike on Iran left tens of thousands stuck overseas.
The first rescue flight, operated by national carrier El Al, touched down at Ben Gurion Airport early Wednesday morning, bringing home passengers from Larnaca, Cyprus.
Worldwide, Israel’s transport ministry estimates that more than 50,000 stranded Israelis are trying to come home.
El Al has said repatriation flights are already scheduled from Athens, Rome, Milan and Paris. Smaller rivals Arkia and Israir are also taking part in the operation.
“We are preparing for the airlift to bring all Israelis home,” Transportation Minister Miri Regev told the captain of the arriving El Al flight before it landed, according to a statement released by the Israeli Aviation Authority.
“We are very emotional about receiving the first rescue flight as part of ‘Safe Return’. Land safely,” she added.
Tel Aviv’s airport has been closed to passenger traffic since the Jewish nation launched its attack on Iran last Friday.
The Airports Authority reinforced staffing on Wednesday to ensure the arriving passengers exited the airport quickly.
They were shuttled to their parked vehicles or transported via train and bus to city centres nationwide.
