In collaboration with Greece, Poland has initiated an evacuation corridor for Polish tourists stranded in Israel. The announcement came from Mariusz Błaszczak, the head of the Ministry of National Defense, who noted that a Polish aircraft had already landed in Tel Aviv. The General Command commended the evacuated Poles for maintaining discipline and dignity under military conditions and expressed relief that they were safe.
Evacuation operations are continuing as part of Operation Neon, with Paweł Jabłoński, deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming that more than 2,000 reports had been received from Poles in Israel expressing a desire to evacuate or return home, whether they were there briefly or had permanent residence.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson announced that a fourth aircraft was en route to Israel to support the evacuation effort.
Not economy class, but military-grade transport — the message from the General Command highlighted gratitude to all passengers for their patience and resilience. The commitment remains to ensure safe passage and a smooth return home.
Cooperation between Poland and Greece
During a press conference in Wojnarowa in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the minister confirmed that the Polish armed forces had established an evacuation bridge for Polish travelers fleeing the conflict in Israel.
Working alongside Greece, a coordinated plan was launched. Military assets are concentrated in Crete at the port of Chania. Flights operate from Crete to Tel Aviv and back, enabling efficient movement from Tel Aviv to Crete and then to Poland.
The defense minister explained that the operation is designed to maximize the evacuation capacity and shorten the waiting time for assistance, ensuring that the Polish government can respond quickly to requests for repatriation as long as there is demand from Polish nationals.
The minister also reiterated the government’s determination to sustain the evacuation mission while there is interest from Polish tourists in returning home.
Evacuation of Poles from Israel
The minister announced that another Polish aircraft had already landed in Tel Aviv.
Two aircraft carrying evacuated Poles — Hercules transports — touched down at Warsaw as the dawn broke on Monday morning. Earlier, a batch of 120 people arrived on a military Boeing aircraft following the Hamas attack on Israel.
The situation continues to be monitored closely, with authorities emphasizing that the safety and orderly return of Polish citizens remains a top priority.
In related regional developments, Lithuanian officials faced criticism over the transfer of compatriots from Israel, while discussions continued on broader European coordination to assist those affected by the ongoing conflict. The Gaza Strip remains under a broad blockade affecting civilian access to essential services.
All information is provided by the Polish Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with ongoing updates issued for Polish citizens seeking evacuation support. ([citation: Polish Ministry of National Defense; Ministry of Foreign Affairs])