World Nations Rally to Evacuate Citizens from Israel and Iran
With escalating tensions between Israel and Iran triggering intense missile exchanges and the closure of Israeli airspace, countries are scrambling to evacuate their nationals caught in the crossfire. The situation has pushed many governments to organize complex operations involving buses, planes, and border crossings on foot to bring their citizens to safety.
Europe Coordinates Multinational Evacuations
Numerous European countries have successfully repatriated hundreds of their citizens from the affected regions. The Czech Republic and Slovakia, for instance, evacuated 181 people using government planes, although direct flights into Israel were impossible due to airspace restrictions. Instead, evacuees were bused to neighboring countries and crossed borders on foot.
Meanwhile, Germany has scheduled flights through Jordan, and Poland expects its first returning citizens imminently. Greece evacuated 105 nationals along with several foreigners via Egypt, while a private aircraft carrying 148 passengers landed safely in Bulgaria’s capital.
United States Implements Air and Sea Evacuation Plans
The U.S. ambassador in Israel announced preparations for evacuation by both air and sea. Efforts include coordination of evacuation flights and cruise ship departures aimed at safely extracting American citizens wishing to leave Israel.
Australia's Cautious Approach Amid Missile Threats
Australia has begun moving roughly 1,500 citizens from Iran and over 1,200 from Israel. However, ongoing missile attacks make civilian flights too risky, and the airspace remains closed. Australian officials have successfully evacuated a small group through a land border crossing and are hoping to continue using this route in the coming days.
Pakistan Restricts Borders with Exceptions for Nationals
Pakistan has sealed off most border crossings with Iran, allowing only Pakistani citizens to return home. Around 1,000 Pakistanis, including more than 200 students, have fled so far. The Pakistani government also moved to evacuate families of diplomats and non-essential personnel from the region.
India and New Zealand Take Targeted Measures
India has successfully evacuated approximately 110 students from Iran via a special flight operating from Armenia. Similarly, New Zealand has shut its embassy in Iran, moving staff and their families overland to Azerbaijan. Officials are actively looking for chances to aid other nationals stranded in Iran and Israel.
Japan Places Military Aircraft on Standby
Japan is prepared to use military planes to assist its citizens in the conflict zone, with an estimated 1,000 nationals in Israel and 280 in Iran. The country’s embassies are arranging bus transport for evacuations to adjacent countries, as the conflict continues into its seventh day.
Complex Evacuations Amid Conflict and Closed Airspace
As missile strikes intensify and conventional avenues close, many governments rely on neighboring states as transit hubs and deploy creative strategies to facilitate safe exits. The unfolding situation remains fragile, with efforts ongoing worldwide to extract civilians from harm’s way while avoiding further confrontations.
