A Trinidad and Tobago national who was in Israel when war broke out has returned home.
This was confirmed in a release from the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs on Thursday.
The ministry stated that the successful repatriation was done with the help of the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
The release stated that the national was repatriated on Monday following the deterioration of the security situation in parts of Israel. He arrived in Trinidad on Wednesday.
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched attacks on Israel, killing over 1,400 people. Retaliatory strikes from Israel have resulted in the deaths of over 3,400 people in Gaza, the ministry stated.
The release stated, “Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in Israel, together with hundreds of foreign nationals, have faced challenges in departing the country due to cancellations of inbound and outbound flights by major international airlines.
“The Ministry requested and is pleased to have received the assistance of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Port of Spain for the inclusion of an adult male Trinidad and Tobago national on a repatriation flight out of Israel on 16th October, 2023, in the midst of this developing situation.
“The Ministry was then able to arrange and facilitate our national’s onward journey from Amsterdam, resulting in his arrival in Port of Spain on 18th October, 2023.”
The ministry stated that it was monitoring the situation in the Middle East and trying to establish and maintain contact with Trinidad and Tobago citizens who are currently in the region.
Earlier this month a 16-year-old national was also repatriated from Israel.
The email helpline, ttnationalsisrael@foreign.gov.tt remains operational for those who wish to communicate the presence of Trinidad and Tobago nationals in that region, the release stated.
Meanwhile, the US has issued a “Worldwide Caution” for its citizens around the world given the conflict in the Middle East.
The State Department said, “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”
