In order to ensure the highest quality of our services, we use small files called cookies. When using our website, the cookie files are downloaded onto your device. You can change the settings of your browser at any time. In addition, your use of our website is tantamount to your consent to the processing of your personal data provided by electronic means.

Back

Statement on MFA measures for Polish citizens affected by Middle East conflict

27.10.2023

Poland’s diplomatic and consular services came up with an immediate response following the outbreak of the current conflict triggered by the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel. Polish missions took prompt action to evacuate Polish citizens from both Israel and Palestine (the Gaza Strip and the West Bank).

1

Polish citizens wishing to leave Israel were evacuated within a few days, as a result of effective coordination between the MFA, the MoD and other actors involved. Those airlifted from Tel Aviv airport included people previously staying in the West Bank.

At the same time, the MFA in Warsaw and its missions abroad have taken active measures to enable Polish citizens to leave the Gaza Strip. In particular, the Polish MFA sent a number of diplomatic notes in this matter: two notes from the MFA headquarters to the Embassies of Israel and Egypt in Warsaw, four notes from the Polish Embassy in Tel Aviv to the Israeli MFA, and seven notes from the Polish Embassy in Cairo to the Egyptian MFA. The situation of Poles in Gaza was also raised in numerous talks between Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and his counterparts from the Middle East and the European Union during the EU Foreign Affairs Council, as well as in those between Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłoński with the ambassador of Israel and ambassadors of other countries across the region. 

At the European Council meeting, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also called for stepped-up action to help EU citizens in the Gaza Strip.

The Polish MFA underlines that the evacuation of Polish citizens from Gaza has not yet taken place only by reasons attributable to other countries and entities. The MFA continues to demand that Polish citizens be allowed a safe evacuation.

Another source of growing concern is the fact that citizens of all third countries have been denied this possibility despite the coordinated action taken by the international community. 

Poland relentlessly continues its strong efforts to change the current situation. We call for enabling a safe evacuation of civilians from the areas under threat of attack, especially Poles and citizens of other third countries. We are concerned by the fact that the evacuation has been prevented for such a long time. 

Polish diplomatic and consular services remain in contact, through formal and working channels, with the authorities of Israel, Egypt, as well as other partners and key allies, to enable our citizens to leave the affected area. At the same time, we would like to announce that so far Poland's consular services have not received any information about causalities among Polish citizens.

 

MFA Press Office

{"register":{"columns":[]}}