Skopje, 8 October 2023 (MIA) - Twenty Macedonian nationals, who sought assistance for their evacuation from Israel, have safely left the country, with 11 more awaiting assistance. It is estimated there are between 100-200 Macedonian nationals in Israel, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs late on Sunday.

The MFA said a number of citizens called the Embassy of North Macedonia in Tel Aviv and the emergency lines in the ministry, seeking assistance for their evacuation.

"Nine tourists from Veles were taken in the special flight of the Albanian government from Tel Aviv to Tirana, followed by their transport to Skopje. The Ministry wishes to extend its gratitude to our colleagues from Albania for their swift response and the acceptance of our citizens. Earlier, seven of our citizens who were stranded in Bethlehem managed to cross the Jordan border, where our honorary consul took them to safety and are expected to be headed home in the coming days. This morning, a family of four stranded in Tel Aviv took a flight to Istanbul and will continue their journey home," said the MFA.

The Embassy in Tel Aviv is in constant communication with the remaining nationals who have reported or sought assistance to leave Israel, including 11 construction workers in Ramallah in the West Bank.

According to Crisis HQ assessments, there are about 100–200 nationals at the territory of Israel and the affected areas, who are expected to report by themselves or by their close ones in the MFA contact centers.

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.

Photo: MIA archive