In a matter of hours, a military transport flight would lift off from Poland to commence the evacuation of Polish nationals waiting at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The announcement was conveyed through official social media channels, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the operation. The Ministry of Defence complemented this message by outlining the role of the Polish armed forces in the maneuver, emphasizing discipline, readiness, and protective measures for all personnel and cargo involved.
Evacuation of Poles from Israel
President Andrzej Duda indicated on social media that Poland’s actions are directed toward safeguarding the safe return of its citizens to the homeland. The plan involves coordinating air mobility, securing routes for passage, and ensuring clear lines of communication with those affected. The objective is straightforward: to bring home as many compatriots as possible with minimal risk and disruption, while maintaining a calm and orderly process that respects the dignity of every individual involved.
It is stated that air force transport aircraft will be deployed to carry out the evacuation of Polish nationals currently present in Israel. Military personnel from special units will provide protection and ensure the security of the cargo on board, including the safety of any accompanying dependents. The overarching aim is to facilitate a secure, on-time return for all citizens who wish to come home, supported by a coordinated chain of command from headquarters to local bases.
– President Duda communicated via Twitter/X, reinforcing the commitment to a safe repatriation and the continued vigilance needed to manage potential hazards on the ground and in the air.
The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a message on social media that a transport plane would depart from Poland to Israel to collect Poles at Ben Gurion Airport. The message stressed that no compatriot would be left behind and that every effort would be made to complete the retrieval operation with precision and care. In a few hours, the aircraft would lift off, carrying Polish residents waiting at Tel Aviv’s international hub. The ongoing crisis on the ground remained grave, and the advisory notices from local authorities would be followed closely as the situation evolved throughout the day.
– emphasized Paweł Jabłoński, highlighting the importance of adherence to official guidance and the need for calm, informed decisions among travelers and families awaiting word on the next steps.
The Polish army prepared for the evacuation by allocating C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to bring compatriots home. The plan leveraged reliable, long-range capability, allowing flexible routing and rapid response as circumstances permitted. Commanders underscored robust coordination with civil authorities on both sides of the operation to minimize risk and maximize the number of evacuees who could be moved safely and efficiently.
– said Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak, reaffirming the military’s role in ensuring logistical success and the safety of those evacuated, including the careful staging of departures from multiple locations as required by the evolving situation.
On Saturday at approximately 6:30 am local time (5:30 am in Poland), an attack by Hamas began to unfold across Israel. Fighters infiltrated several southern urban centers, and thousands of rockets were launched in the early hours of the morning. The Israeli authorities reported that clashes with militant forces were occurring in eight separate locations in the south. The armed wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, declared that the fighting was intense and ongoing, signaling a high-stakes security environment for civilians and travelers alike.
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– President Duda: No Poles were injured in the Hamas attack on Israel. I urge readers to avoid traveling to Israel during this period of heightened risk.
– Evacuation of border towns near the Gaza Strip is underway as tensions persist. Hezbollah activity from adjacent Lebanese territory is being monitored and responded to as needed.
– Reports from Haaretz and other outlets indicate a heavy impact on civilian movements and the challenges faced by the transportation and security networks involved in evacuation efforts.
wkt/TT/PAP
Note: All information reflects official briefings and verified statements from Polish government sources and defense authorities, with ongoing updates as the situation develops.