Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova blokira evakuaciju desetaka žena i djece iz Gaze.

The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel advisory warning British citizens of a "significant risk" while visiting Iran, following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. In a statement released on Wednesday, July 22, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that all diplomatic staff had been temporarily withdrawn from Iran due to deteriorating security conditions. Despite the withdrawal, the UK embassy continues to function remotely, offering consular support to British nationals still present in the country. The FCDO specifically cautioned that British nationals, including dual citizens, face a heightened risk of arrest, interrogation, or detention by Iranian authorities. It emphasized that simply possessing a British passport or having ties to the UK could be sufficient grounds for being targeted. This comes amid renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, with the U.S. conducting its 12th consecutive night of airstrikes on Iranian targets. The conflict, which began with a joint strike by the U.S. and Israel on February 28 targeting key Iranian sites, has led to retaliatory actions by Iran, including the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Efforts to de-escalate the crisis had included a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the U.S. and Iran on June 17, aiming to conclude the conflict within 60 days and address disputes over Iran's nuclear program. However, neither side has achieved a lasting resolution, and hostilities have resumed this month. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia recently signed a landmark agreement allowing Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program, raising concerns about potential uranium enrichment capabilities that could be used for both peaceful purposes and military applications. Separately, the UK's Home Office has drawn criticism for allegedly obstructing the evacuation of dozens of women and children from Gaza, despite assurances from the Foreign Office that it is prepared to facilitate their departure from the war-torn region. The Home Office has suspended refugee family reunion applications and imposed stricter requirements for those seeking to join relatives in the UK. Families in Gaza who submitted applications prior to the suspension have faced delays or outright rejection, with some cases involving legal challenges from the Home Office. Lawyers representing affected families argue that the Home Office is applying more stringent standards to Palestinian applicants compared to others. Some have cited security concerns, claiming that individuals from Gaza might pose a risk due to the presence of terrorist groups in the region. However, many of these individuals have already been granted leave to remain in the UK based on persecution by Hamas in Gaza. One case involves a Palestinian refugee separated from his wife and three children, who expressed frustration over the UK government's apparent reversal of its commitment to assist families in perilous situations. The Home Office maintains that its reforms aim to establish a more equitable asylum system, requiring applicants to meet stricter criteria rather than automatically granting family reunification. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has indicated willingness to assist in evacuations, yet the bureaucratic hurdles persist. In a different context, the UK Foreign Office has also issued a new "wildfire" alert for parts of France, advising travelers to exercise caution in regions affected by severe wildfires. As of July 24, numerous blazes have engulfed areas in Gironde and Landes, forcing thousands to evacuate. The largest fire, located on the Cap Ferret Peninsula, has consumed nearly 25,000 acres of land, prompting the evacuation of tourist spots and residential areas in Arcachon Bay. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to heed local advisories, avoid affected zones, and prepare for sudden road closures. The French government has reminded the public of the importance of adhering to safety protocols during wildfires, emphasizing the illegality of starting fires and the necessity of contacting emergency services immediately upon encountering a wildfire.