Poles in Israel express desire to leave
Poles currently in Israel have expressed a desire to leave the country and are seeking assistance in doing so, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński.
Izrael PAP/EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Paweł Wroński informed the Polish Press Agency (PAP) on Sunday that some Polish nationals in Israel have indicated their intention to depart and are looking for support. He noted that it is still possible to exit Israel by land or sea, and the ministry will respond according to the evolving situation.
The ministry highlighted that this matter involves over 200 individuals who are in Israel and registered in the Odyseusz system, and it is connected to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Wroński emphasized that some of these individuals have started to seek help in leaving Israel.
On Sunday, Poland’s Radio Zet reported that an organized departure of Poles from Israel and the Middle East is scheduled to begin on Monday or Tuesday. This evacuation will take place through border crossings in Jordan, leading to Amman, or through Egypt via Taba—initially by land and subsequently by plane. The honorary consul in Bethlehem is involved in the operation. According to Radio Zet, the consulate is informing all those who plan to leave Israel about the need for possible overnight accommodations while waiting for their flights.
In response to a question about the honorary consul’s initiative, Wroński acknowledged that it is known to the ministry. He confirmed that “the consul is independently working on this solution and it involves costs to the individuals,” indicating that it is not an initiative organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or in collaboration with it.
When asked if the MFA is developing its plan or if it will support the honorary consul’s initiative, Wroński stated that „currently, there are still open routes out of Israel, and it is also possible to leave the country by sea.”
The situation escalated over the weekend, with Israeli forces launching attacks on numerous military targets in Iran, including nuclear facilities. In response, Iranian forces have retaliated with rocket fire and drone strikes aimed at targets in Israel.
(aj)
SOURCE: IAR; PAP
