Thirteen Vietnamese people have returned home from Israel amid rising tensions in the Gaza Strip, said Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on November 9.

Buildings in the Gaza Strip were destroyed. Photo: AFP/VNA

These people have left Israel on both commercial and aid flights, Hang addressed the ministry’s regular press conference.

Four Vietnamese departed from Israel to Japan last week as the latter arranged a flight to evacuate their citizens from the tension area, she added.

Amidst tensions in the Middle East, the foreign affairs ministry on October 16 advised Vietnamese people to leave Israel for safety.

The ministry and the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel have had solutions to protect Vietnamese citizens on the site, provided security methods, and supported them in evacuating to safe places.

The ministry strongly recommends that those who choose to stay leave Israel soon. The citizens may contact the ministry's Center for Citizen Protection, and/or the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel for protection measures.

Hang said that Vietnam welcomes and appreciates efforts by the international communities to restore peace in the region and that Vietnam expects related parties to cease fire and resolve conflicts through peaceful talks and measures.

All sides must pay respect to international laws, provide security measures for citizens and foreigners in the region, avoid the destruction of civil infrastructures, set up humanitarian camps, and release the hostages, the spokesperson said.