Tanzania to evacuate citizens as Israel-Gaza war intensifies

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania government on Saturday October 14 said will start evacuating its citizens in Israel following the outbreak of conflict with Gaza.

The Israel-Hamas fight which broke out last Saturday has left thousands dead and others misplaced.

Two Tanzanians were reportedly missing since the outbreak of the fighting.

“Following the deteriorating security situation in Israel and neighbouring areas, the government has prepared a plan to bring back home Tanzanians who are there,” the ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said in a statement.

“The government made such a decision after satisfying itself that the current environment allows to do so,” the ministry stated, urging Tanzanians to register through the Tel Aviv-based embassy before October 15, 2023, midnight.

Last week, Cyprus activated its humanitarian rescue mechanism to provide a safe transfer hub for foreign nationals from Israel.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Hamdi Mansour Abuali, this week made an impassioned plea to Tanzanians, urging them to pray for the people of Palestine during the time of heightened crisis.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Mr Abuali also called upon the international community to step in and put an end to the tragic loss of innocent lives, especially children and women in the Gaza Strip.