The UK is moving 700 troops to Cyprus to assist in evacuating British citizens from Lebanon as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict continues to escalate. Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that the growing conflict in the region is pushing it toward a dangerous tipping point. The government announced the deployment on Tuesday, adding to the existing presence of two Royal Navy ships, aircraft, and helicopters in the area.
“Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is, which is why our message is clear, British nationals should leave now,” said Defense Secretary John Healey. He emphasized that the government was preparing for further deterioration of the situation and was ready to support UK citizens.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed proxy force, has intensified this week, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. Starmer expressed his concern, calling for all parties to “pull back from the brink” and urging a cease-fire in the region.
Since Monday, Israel’s strikes have killed 569 people, including 50 children, and injured 1,835 in Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad. Thousands of displaced Lebanese residents are seeking refuge in schools and other buildings as the fighting continues, with Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel in support of Hamas.