Skopje, 8 October 2023 (MIA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Sunday that a crisis headquarters has been set up, tasked with monitoring and coordinating all procedures related to Macedonian nationals in Israel who need help or assistance in safe evacuation. 

"According to the Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia in Tel Aviv, as well as the calls made to the 24/7 line of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Skopje, in Israel and the West Bank, the number of citizens who have reported that they are currently in and around the affected areas keeps rising. The Embassy is in constant contact with all the citizens, and preparatory measures are underway for assistance in safe evacuation," reads the press release.

In addition to the activities of the Embassy in Israel, urgent instructions have been issued on Sunday to the diplomatic and consular network of North Macedonia in the contiguous countries, to ready themselves for possible activities and 24-hour response, both for the headquarters in Skopje and for possible communication with the citizens. The diplomatic network is also in contact with diplomatic missions of friendly countries, which are readying to organize assistance to citizens in and around the affected areas.

"Once again we urge our citizens who are currently in Israel to observe the orders of Israel's security authorities and report to the Embassy in Tel Aviv or contact the 24/7 lines in Skopje," says the Foreign Ministry.

The Foreign Ministry notes that more detailed information on the current developments are available at https://www.oref.org.il/12481-en/Pakar.aspx.

Macedonian nationals can also contact the Foreign Ministry via its 24/7 line at +389 75 273 732, as well as the 24/7 line of the Embassy in Tel Aviv +972-54-926-7378. 

Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani communicated with Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen on Sunday, extending his condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and condemning attacks by Hamas. Osmani reaffirmed the Ministry's position, calling for immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas and immediate cessation of any acts of violence against Israel.  

Photo: MIA archive