Britain's biggest warship not being sent to Israel yet but 'all options remain open'
There was speculation that the ship could be deployed to the Mediterranean in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Pro-Palestine protest takes place outside London's Israel embassy
The HMS Queen Elizabeth will stay in European waters for now amid speculation it may be deployed to the Eastern Meditteranean following the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The UK Carrier Strike Group will continue with its planned programme of training, but the Ministry of Defence has confirmed they are monitoring the situation.
The Royal Navy ship is currently 4,000 miles away from the scene with better placed assets already in place.
USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group has been in the Eastern Mediterranean until recently as it was heading westward and due to visit Marseilles on October 7, according to reports.
The US is unlikely to become involved in military action in Israel.
The HMS Queen Elizabeth has just eight jets on board, although the number could be increased if it was deemed necessary but only at a considerable extra expense.
Full Operating Capability for carrier strike will not be achieved until March 2025 at the earliest.
Israel are currently issuing airstrikes on Gaza after Hamas took hundreds of Israelis hostage and killed thousands more.
Despite the HMS Queen Elizabeth remaining in European waters, there are options if the UK decide to evacuate British nationals by sea after flights were halted.
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HMS Duncan is the closest available warship. Currently, she is flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 comprising 4-5 frigates and destroyers. HMS Lancaster and RFA Cardigan Bay are significantly further away in the Gulf.
Evacuation using the RAF to fly people to Cyprus could potentially be another option.
17 British people have so far been confirmed as dead or missing following the conflict.
The death toll in Israel has reached 1,200, with more than 900 people killed by Israeli air strikes on Gaza.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Israel, with the Foreign Office saying the visit was to meet survivors and outline UK support.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said Mr Cleverly was in Israel "to demonstrate the UK's unwavering solidarity with the Israeli people following Hamas' terrorist attacks".
They added: "He will be meeting survivors of the attacks and senior Israeli leaders to outline UK support for Israel's right to defend itself."