Thousands of Britons Stranded in Israel Amid Escalating Iran Conflict

 

As tensions between Israel and Iran intensify, thousands of British nationals remain trapped in Israel with no clear evacuation plans in sight. The UK government has urged citizens to avoid travel to the region and to register their presence if already there, but for many, this guidance offers little reassurance.

British Tourists Caught in Conflict

Deborah Claydon, a 41-year-old teacher from Hertfordshire, travelled to Israel last week to attend her cousin’s wedding. What began as a joyous three-day celebration turned into a nightmare when missile sirens rang out just hours after the event.

Now sheltering in a hotel in Herzliya with her 81-year-old mother, Ms. Claydon describes sleepless nights, constantly interrupted by alarms warning of incoming rockets. “It went from celebration to fear,” she shared, adding that they’re fortunate to have access to a well-equipped bomb shelter—but many others are not as lucky.

“I just want to get home to my children and back to my job,” she said. “It’s terrifying, and it’s getting worse.”

Due to the escalating violence, Tel Aviv’s main international airport has been closed since Friday. Thousands of flights have been cancelled, leaving an estimated 40,000 foreign tourists stranded in Israel, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

Increasing Desperation Among Stranded Britons

Some, like Ms. Claydon, are attempting to leave the country by land. She joined a group of international tourists heading toward the Egyptian border, hoping to reach Sharm El-Sheikh and fly home from there. However, she had to leave her elderly mother behind with relatives, citing the journey as too dangerous for her to make.

Others face even more challenging circumstances. Londoner Hannah Lyons-Singer, 43, flew to Israel last week to care for her father, who had just undergone heart surgery. Shortly after his hospital discharge, the conflict erupted, leaving them stuck in Jaffa.

“We’re hearing explosions just kilometres away,” she said. Her father’s condition makes travelling long distances impossible, and she has criticized the UK government for offering little more than travel warnings. “We need more than email alerts—we need concrete help.”

No Safe Route Home

Retired judge Howard Youngerwood, 79, also from London, had travelled to Israel for his granddaughter’s Bar Mitzvah. The celebration was abruptly halted, and he now struggles to reach shelters due to his mobility issues. A land exit is not a viable option for him.

Angus Edy, 52, who is stuck in Tel Aviv with his son Samuel, echoed the frustrations of many. “The lack of action from the UK government is appalling,” he said, recounting visits to the British Embassy where they were turned away without assistance. Since Friday, they have taken shelter in basements after feeling the impact of nearby explosions.

International Evacuations Begin—But Not from the UK

While the UK has no current evacuation plans, other countries are stepping up. Poland announced it will start repatriating around 200 citizens through Jordan in the coming days. Similarly, the Czech Republic confirmed the safe return of 66 nationals evacuated by a military aircraft. Germany is monitoring the situation but has yet to announce concrete evacuation steps, despite thousands of citizens registering online.

Many British nationals are now left to fend for themselves, exploring alternative routes out of Israel by travelling through Egypt or Jordan—options that are often unsafe or inaccessible due to age, health, or security concerns.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel to Israel and warns of a rapidly changing security landscape. However, calls are growing louder for the government to provide more direct support for those seeking a safe way home.