Israel-Hamas war: Border Force teams set up in Egypt to help citizens – if they can leave Gaza
UK Border Force teams are being set up in Egypt to “quickly” assist people – if they can get out of Gaza.
They will be exempt from residency tests on arrival in the UK.
Speaking at an event in central London about artificial intelligence on Thursday, Rishi Sunak said the government recognised that there needed to be a “safer environment, which of course necessitates specific pauses, which are distinct from a ceasefire”.
“We’re very keen to be able to bring them out and bring them home,” he said.
“What I can tell you is we’ve pre-positioned Border Force teams to Egypt.
“So that if our nationals can cross the Rafah crossing, we’re ready to get them in and bring them back.
“It is not something we can do immediately but when the moment arises, we’ll be ready to take it quickly.”
‘Without delay’
Those fleeing the war and in the wider region of Lebanon and the West Bank will also be able to claim universal credit, as well as disability and child benefits, “without delay”.
They will also be able to access social housing and housing assistance if needed.
The government said it would also ensure that money paid under the victims of overseas terrorism compensation scheme would not be counted when working out entitlement to income-related benefits.
The announcement comes as the UK ramps up its humanitarian aid to Gaza, with Rishi Sunak announcing earlier this week that the government would provide a further £20m in funds – on top of an existing £10m – taking the total package this year to £57m.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “We’ve been working quickly to ensure British nationals arriving from Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon can receive the support and security they need during a time of unspeakable turmoil.
“As the UK continues to step up its response to the fast-moving circumstances in the region, the regulations which come into force today will speed up access to benefits, ensuring those eligible can access the help they need.”
The government said that where arrivals do not have immediate accommodation available, local authorities may provide emergency overnight accommodation before supporting people into more secure accommodation.
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Plan is ‘to release all hostages’
Those who meet the exemption will be supported more quickly but it will not impact who local housing authorities should prioritise for social housing, the government said.
At least 12 British nationals were killed in the attack by Hamas on 7 October, which saw 1,400 Israelis killed.
A further five UK nationals are missing, Downing Street said this week.
Mr Sunak has been joined by the Labour Party in calling for a humanitarian pause to allow aid to reach Palestinians and to create a “safer environment” for UK citizens to leave Gaza.
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Gaza: A ‘pause’ for aid delivery?
In recent days Israel has allowed aid into the country through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza after it previously limited essentials such as water, food and fuel to the area, which is home to 2.2 million civilians.
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Collecting bodies on donkey carts
Read more:
All civilian hostages could be freed from Gaza in days if fighting paused, Qatari negotiators say
‘Excruciating decisions’ in Gaza as fuel runs out
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden chaired a COBRA meeting in which he discussed the situation in the Middle East and the next steps in pushing for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
More than 200 from many different countries remain captive inside Gaza.
Mr Dowden said he was “heartbroken” at the mounting casualties in Gaza – where the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry claims 7,000 people have been killed by airstrikes – but that Israel could not “eliminate” Hamas “without there being some civilian impact”.
“The way to stop further losses of innocent civilian lives is to remove the terrorist threat and to move to a position where we can restore stability and peace to this region,” he told Sky News.
UK
Three Iranians charged under National Security Act after investigation by UK counter-terror police
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died in a large fire in Bicester, the fire service announced.
The firefighters died in the inferno at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, which now hosts historic motoring and aviation centre Bicester Motion.
The local fire service was called to the scene at 6.39pm last night.
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Families have been informed and are being supported.
“Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected.
“We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can.”
Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement.
Footage shared on social media shows plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and flames swallowing the large building.
Clouds of smoke from the fire were billowing into the sky last night. Pic:@kajer87X
Two firefighters and one other person died in the fire, while two more firefighters were seriously injured. Pic: PA
Ten fire crews attended the incident, with four remaining at the scene. The fire is still ongoing, but it is considered under control.
Local residents were advised to remain indoors and keep their windows shut, but this advice has now been lifted.
Bicester Motion said in a statement it would be closed today and over the weekend.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
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