Skopje, 9 October 2023 (MIA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has prepared a detailed analysis to present to the Government, which will then decide on further steps to be taken in connection with the assistance and evacuation of Macedonian nationals in Israel, where the security situation remains complex. 

The situation in and near Tel Aviv, as well as the larger cities in Israel and the West Bank, though without military operations, remains tense. Tel Aviv International Airport is fully operational and regular commercial flights as well as special charter flights still operate. However, a number of airlines around the world have largely postponed regular routes, which makes regular air transportation difficult, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release. 

Twenty Macedonian nationals, who sought assistance for their evacuation from Israel, safely left the country on Sunday, and there are over 100 citizens who have reported or sought assistance to leave Israel. The majority of these citizens are currently in locations considered safe, and about twenty of them have already secured tickets for some of the commercial regular or charter flights that are available.

Several citizens within the contact points, adds the press release, have reported being located in parts of the country that have been affected by violent actions and are considered unsafe. The Embassy in Tel Aviv, as well as the call center in Skopje, are in constant contact with them and are actively working to ensure their transfer to a safe location, from where they could travel home.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry said it is estimated by the crisis HQ that there are between 100-200 Macedonian nationals in Israel, and constant contact is maintained with more than half of them. 

Macedonian nationals can 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, while more detailed information on the current developments are available at https://www.oref.org.il/12481-en/Pakar.aspx.

In addition, the Foreign Ministry once again urges 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. 

Photo: MIA archive