Vietnamese citizens in Israel remain in safe condition, the Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Pham Thu Hang said at a weekly press briefing today [October 26].
| Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Pham Thu Hang. |
In response to a reporter's question about the situation of Vietnamese citizens in the middle of the Hamas-Israel conflict, Hang noted: "As we all know, the situation in the Middle East has become increasingly complicated in recent days. On October 23, the Steering Committee for Citizen Protection under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting to discuss the issue of protecting Vietnamese citizens in the region amid escalating tensions."
She added that since the beginning of the conflict, the MOFA has issued directives to its missions in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the State of Palestine. These directives aim to monitor the conflict closely, swiftly assess the status of Vietnamese citizens in the area, and work in close coordination with local authorities and relevant domestic agencies to take measures to protect citizens and support the safety of Vietnamese citizens in conflict-affected areas as necessary.
In line with the MOFA’s instruction, the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel has been in constant and direct communication with key members of the Vietnamese community in conflict-affected areas, providing them with updates on the situation.
They have also requested local authorities to ensure the utmost safety for Vietnamese citizens and their families, while simultaneously preparing citizen protection plans based on people's wishes and the actual situation, she noted.
The MOFA’s spokesperson reiterated three key recommendations for citizens. First, unless necessary, citizens are advised not to travel to or avoid visiting Israel. Second, for those already in Israel, preparing a plan for a timely and safe evacuation to a third country or Vietnam is crucial. Third, citizens are urged to monitor local government updates and advisories from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Consular Department and the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel, to respond promptly to any developments.
