No Poles were injured in Hamas’ attack on Israel. President Andrzej Duda urged the public to avoid travel to Israel during the current escalation, emphasizing caution and restraint in public remarks on Polsat News.
No Poles were injured
Available information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish Contingent (Military – PAP) in Lebanon indicates that no Polish citizens have been harmed so far. There is no confirmed report of any Polish casualties among those affected by the Hamas attacks on Israel up to this point. President Andrzej Duda stated this during an interview on Rymanowski’s Breakfast on Polsat News and Interia, noting that there are Polish communities in Israel and a sizeable group currently present there.
He added that Polish groups are also present in the West Bank, with numbers running into the hundreds. These remarks come as authorities monitor the evolving situation and work to ensure the safety of Polish nationals abroad.
A call not to travel to Israel
President Duda issued a clear call for travelers to refrain from visiting Israel while the situation remains unsettled and fighting continues. He underscored the importance of awaiting clarity on security conditions and the cessation of hostilities before considering travel again.
The president affirmed that Polish diplomatic and consular services are actively working to determine the location and status of all Polish citizens and, where possible, to provide support. He stressed the need to safeguard those affected and to assist as needed.
Discussions are ongoing about possible steps to repatriate Polish citizens if necessary, with the aim of ensuring their safe return to Poland and continuity of care where required.
Poland offered humanitarian aid
When asked whether the events yesterday, starting with the Hamas invasion of Israel and followed by Israeli retaliation, could signal a broader global confrontation, the president cautioned against overstatement. He reminded listeners that the Middle East has witnessed multiple wars without triggering a world-wide conflict in recent decades. He also described the present moment as dangerous and unstable, while noting that such a large-scale rocket attack marks a severe development in the region.
President Duda observed that Israel has suffered heavy losses and is likely to take decisive action to prevent further attacks while also responding to threats. He highlighted the strong ties between Poland and Israel, and the desire to offer humanitarian assistance to those in need, particularly the injured, if such support is requested by Israeli authorities.
The president mentioned that he had not discussed the involvement of other regional actors in the assault, such as Iran or Russia, during a recent telephone conversation with the Israeli president. He emphasized condolences to the Israeli people and reiterated Poland’s readiness to help if humanitarian aid is required. He added that Israeli authorities reportedly have the situation under control and will defend themselves firmly.
Hamas attack on Israel
According to initial reports, the Hamas operation began in the early hours of a Saturday, with fighters crossing into multiple cities in southern Israel and thousands of rockets launched. The Israeli army reported clashes in several locations in southern Israel as the confrontation unfolded. The Al-Qassam Brigade, Hamas’s armed wing, reported intense combat in the arena.
Additional coverage in related materials highlighted vivid scenes from various cities and ongoing security developments. The overall situation remains tense as both sides respond to the aggression and international observers assess potential repercussions for regional stability.
In line with Poland’s stance, the government continues to monitor developments and stands ready to provide assistance where humanitarian needs arise. The public is advised to rely on official travel advisories and to contact diplomatic services if there is any concern about safety abroad.