**UK Foreign Office Urges Citizens to Avoid All Travel to Israel and Palestinian Territories Amid Escalating Conflict**
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent advisory cautioning against all travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, as violence continues to intensify between Israel and Iran. In a scenario described as “fast-moving” and extremely volatile, British authorities have highlighted significant risks to the safety of travellers and residents, citing multiple fatalities in recent airstrikes and a rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground.
This advisory comes after Israel initiated a third consecutive day of air attacks targeting Iran, which in turn has responded by launching a series of its own missile strikes aimed at key locations such as Tel Aviv. The tit-for-tat escalation has resulted in Israeli airspace remaining strictly closed, further complicating evacuation plans and cutting off international air travel to and from the region.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office explained that “Iran has launched multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks against Israel,” following Israeli strikes focused on nuclear and military sites across Iran. On 13 June, the Israeli government declared a nationwide state of emergency, marking a significant development in a crisis that shows little sign of easing.
The FCDO’s updated travel guidance underscores the unpredictability of the current conflict, noting that the situation could worsen without warning. Travellers are advised that not only have air connections been significantly disrupted, but there is also potential for major roads and other infrastructure to be heavily impacted at short notice. Those in-country are strongly encouraged to monitor local advice, particularly from Israel’s Home Front Command, and to comply swiftly with any government restrictions or directives.
For those within the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, British officials recommend closely following information disseminated by Palestinian Civil Defence authorities, given that some national Israeli alert systems may be inaccessible. The FCDO also draws attention to the risk of missile fragments and debris, urging individuals to steer clear of any unexploded remnants and to notify local authorities immediately should they encounter suspicious materials.
Beyond Israel and the Palestinian areas, the Foreign Office has maintained its warning against all but essential travel to Iran. The advisory specifically references the considerable dangers to both British and dual British-Iranian nationals, who face a heightened risk of arrest, questioning, or detention if they enter Iranian territory. This reflects longstanding concern over consular access and due process within Iran for foreigners.
The ongoing violence has seen Israel extend its military campaign inside Iran for a third day, targeting what it describes as nuclear and defence facilities. Reports indicate that some Iranian missiles have breached Israeli defences, causing damage and casualties within densely populated areas. Planned negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme, once seen as a potential path to de-escalation, have been abruptly abandoned in the wake of these developments.
As the prospect of a protracted conflict looms, observers note that neither side appears ready to step back. Israeli military sources have escalated their rhetoric, urging the Iranian public to avoid certain factories amid fears of broader strikes. Loud explosions have reportedly been heard again in Tehran, intensifying anxiety across the region.
International responses have been mixed, with US President Donald Trump publicly throwing his support behind Israeli military operations while simultaneously calling upon Iran to engage in fresh diplomatic talks to prevent further devastation. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister has warned that Iranian retaliation would halt only if strikes by Israel ceased, holding the United States partly responsible for the unfolding violence.
Casualty reports continue to emerge, with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations stating that recent attacks resulted in 78 deaths and more than 320 injuries, figures that may yet rise as the situation develops. Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom, has documented at least 13 deaths within Israel following overnight attacks, highlighting the growing humanitarian toll.
The Foreign Office is reiterating its message to British nationals: avoid all travel to the affected areas, keep in contact with local embassies, and regularly check official channels for evolving guidance as the crisis continues.