Governments Rush to Evacuate Nationals Amid the Israel-Iran Conflict
Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, authorities worldwide are mobilizing efforts to extract thousands of their citizens from the danger zones. With skies closed and borders heavily monitored, governments are relying on buses, planes, and even on-foot crossings to secure a safe passage for those caught in the turmoil.
Europe
Several European nations have already managed significant repatriation operations from Israel. For example, officials in the Czech Republic and Slovakia reported that 181 citizens have been flown home after being shuttled by bus from a neighboring country due to airspace restrictions. Germany has scheduled additional flights through Jordan, while Poland began receiving its nationals shortly after. Greece also repatriated 105 of its citizens along with other foreign nationals via Egypt, and a private aircraft disembarked 148 people in Bulgaria’s capital.
United States
The United States is arranging both air and sea evacuations. The US ambassador in Israel announced that his office is coordinating evacuation flights as well as cruise departures to help Americans exit the perilous region.
China
China has successfully evacuated over 1,600 of its citizens from Iran and hundreds from Israel. The foreign ministry has emphasized that its embassies and consulates are actively facilitating the safe transfer of its nationals throughout the crisis.
Australia
Australian officials are working to airlift approximately 1,500 citizens from Iran and over 1,200 from Israel. However, due to closed airspace and pervasive missile threats, the use of civilian aircraft remains too hazardous. As a temporary measure, small groups have been evacuated via land border crossings, with further evacuations planned.
Pakistan
In response to the conflict, Pakistan has closed its border crossings with Iran for everyone except its own citizens returning home. So far, around 1,000 Pakistanis, including at least 200 students, have fled the region. The government has also evacuated families of diplomats and selected non-essential staff from Iran.
India
The Indian foreign ministry confirmed that approximately 110 students who escaped Iran via Armenia have arrived safely in New Delhi. With nearly 10,000 Indians residing in Iran and about 30,000 in Israel, coordinated efforts are underway to safeguard their welfare.
Japan
Japanese officials have placed military aircraft on alert to support the evacuation of around 1,000 Japanese citizens in Israel and 280 in Iran. Preparations at the embassies in both countries include utilizing buses to transfer individuals to safer neighboring areas as the conflict continues into its seventh day.
Indonesia
Indonesia is set to begin a land route evacuation for roughly 380 of its citizens stranded in Iran, as aviation options have become too risky. The operation, announced by the foreign minister, is scheduled to commence immediately.
Vietnam
With over 700 citizens in Israel and several in Iran, Vietnam is undertaking efforts to secure the safety of its nationals. Recently, 18 Vietnamese individuals were evacuated from Iran, with most of them already back home; meanwhile, plans continue to assist those still in Israel.
Philippines
The Philippine government is actively planning the repatriation of its nationals. Out of 178 Filipino workers in Israel who requested assistance, 28 are slated for evacuation. Additionally, over 20 government representatives have already crossed into Jordan via land routes.
These extensive evacuation measures come in the wake of a severe military escalation initiated by Israel last Friday, when critical nuclear and military facilities in Iran were struck. In retaliation, Tehran launched its own barrage, leading to multiple closures of airspace and heightened border controls. As nations work together to navigate these challenges, the primary focus remains the safe return of citizens from a rapidly deteriorating conflict zone.
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