Israel and Iran have been exchanging missile fire since Friday (13 June), with casualties on both sides. Israel’s port city of Haifa has been targeted, as well as Tel Aviv.
The FCDO strengthened its travel advice on Sunday (15 June) to caution against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It is also advising against all travel to Iran.
"Iran has launched multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks against Israel," said the FCDO. "On 13 June, a nationwide state of emergency was declared in Israel. This followed Israeli strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Israeli airspace remains closed.
"We recognise this is a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. The current situation has disrupted air links out of the country and may disrupt road links."
It follows relates FCDO warnings last week of rising military tension throughout the Middle East and across north Africa for more than a dozen countries in the region.
This included tourist destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, as well as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and several others.
The new FCDO advice for the UAE reads: "Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region."
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport has been shut and carriers, including Israel’s El Al, have grounded flights to and from the country.
Closure of Israel and Iran’s airspace has also forced carriers to divert and re-route flights, with flights to the region – and longer haul services to Asia – having to take alternative routings.
Jordan’s airspace reopened on Saturday (14 June), but the FCDO warns Jordanian airports and airspace could close at short notice.
"Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region," reads the FCDO’s advice for Jordan.
"There are reports of military debris falling in various locations. Travel disruption, including flight cancellations and airspace closures may occur. Demonstrations and protest activity may take place. Land border crossings may close with no notice.
