UK advises against ‘non-essential’ travel to Israel amid ‘regional tension’

For those already in the country, it added: “Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel.

"Our embassy continues to operate as normal. The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks.

"If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased, there is still a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel.

"There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles falling across Israel and Palestine, and possible disruption at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.”

The fresh advice comes as the Foreign Office also confirmed it would temporarily close its embassy in Tehran due to the significant civil unrest in the city, with consular services now provided remotely.

Mass protests against the Khamenei regime are set to enter their fourth week, with the official death toll going over 600.

Independent Iranian human rights organisations, based abroad, estimate that the real figure is over 2,000, while some reports suggest it could top 5,000.

Most of the dead are believed to be civilian protestors as Iranian security forces crack down on dissent, with reports emerging of officers firing indiscriminately into crowds.

Meanwhile, US President Trump had threatened “strong action” if Tehran followed through on its reported threat to hang detained demonstrators, with Washington understood to be considering military intervention.

However, he appeared to back down from potential strikes on Wednesday evening, saying that he “has it on good authority” that “the killing has stopped” and no executions will take place.