By Kataline Siasau

About 50 Tongan pilgrims, who were stranded in Israel amid the Hamas attacks launched over the weekend, are reported to be safe during the ongoing conflict. Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today they are in collaboration with the Tonga High Commission in London, (Tonga's accredited diplomatic mission to Israel), and are working to ensure the safety of Tongan nationals who are currently in Israel.

Major Kiu Kaho from the Tonga High Commission in London, has been dispatched  to Tel Aviv and arrived early this morning (Tonga time) to monitor and facilitate the safe return of Tongan nationals. On arrival, Major Kaho had been in touch with a group of around 50 pilgrims in Jerusalem, and was now working on their immediate and safe departure from Israel, they said.

Meanwhile, five Tongan nationals departed Tel Aviv this morning.

The Ministry urged Tongans in Israel to get in touch with Major Kaho through the Tonga High Commission in London, or contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance.

Contact: 

Tonga High Commission, London: email, office [at] tongahighcom [dot] co [dot] uk and telephone, 020 7724 5828

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tonga, telephone +676 740 1833.