The Embassy of Vietnam in Israel has announced safety measures for its citizens in Israel after an unprecedented Hamas attack from Gaza on early October 7 (local time) killing hundreds of

Israelis on a major Jewish holiday.

An emergency hotline is also available to assist Vietnamese nationals in need of protection: the Embassy of Vietnam in Israel at +972-50-818-6116, +972-52-727-4248, and +972-50-994-0889 or Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +84 981 84 84 84.

Cars destroyed in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on October 7. Photo: AFP/VNA

The embassy said security in Israel is currently tense and unpredictable after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a half-hour rocket attack at dawn on Israeli towns, killing hundreds and wounding more than 1,500. Hamas fighters took an unknown number of civilians and soldiers captive in Gaza.

AP reported that it was “the deadliest attack in Israel in decades.” At least 232 people in the Gaza Strip were killed and about 1,700 wounded in Israeli strikes, AP quoted the Palestinian Health Ministry as saying.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung, there have been no reported casualties among the Vietnamese community thus far.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel has decided that the top priority at this time is to ensure the safety of the local Vietnamese community in light of the stressful developments.

The community is advised to closely monitor the situation via the media and information technology applications and to strictly adhere to all rules and instructions issued by the local government regarding security and safety.

Additionally, Vietnamese people should remain in regular contact with the Embassy, particularly during emergencies.

The Embassy will keep a close eye on the situation to ensure the most effective protection of its citizens in the coming days.

Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres condemned the attacks and urged all diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflagration.