Crisis alert: Thousands of Germans in Israel – evacuation remains uncertain!

Crisis alert: Thousands of Germans in Israel – evacuation remains uncertain!

Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, Germany's federal government discussed the current situation in Israel today. The situation is alarming as Israeli airspace is closed due to a war with Iran and many Germans are stuck there. Loud Mercury The Foreign Office has called on people to register on the Elefand crisis preparedness list, which now has around 4,000 entries for Israel.

Poland and the Czech Republic have already initiated the evacuation of their citizens, while Germany is preparing for possible evacuation measures. A federal government crisis team met on June 16 to evaluate the situation. The evacuation by Poland already includes a convoy that is supposed to go overland to Jordan. Around 200 people have registered for it.

Evacuation measures and special flights

Leaving Israel is made very difficult by the closed airspace conditions. Thousands of Germans are currently in Israel and are trying to find a safe way back. The Foreign Office reports that special flights are being organized from the Jordanian capital Amman. The first of these special flights brought 171 people to Jordan. However, future flights depend on the further development of the situation.

The cost of a seat on a special flight is 300 euros, although travel to Jordan must be organized by yourself. Travelers must expect long waiting times at border crossings. Loud daily news The airspace over Israel remains closed and there are no options for leaving the country by plane. Leaving the country via the port of Haifa is also impossible due to security warnings.

The security policy situation

The security situation in the region is extremely tense. Israel has declared a state of emergency and the population has been asked to stay indoors. The conflict with Iran escalated on June 13 with an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. So far, 24 people have died and over 1,000 have been injured in Israel. In Iran, however, 224 people died, including high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists.

Travel advisories for neighboring countries and other states in the region, including Dubai, Palestine and the Gulf states, have also been tightened. The situation at the border crossings with Jordan is precarious as many are only open temporarily, making it even more difficult for international travelers to return.