In a response to the ongoing crisis in Israel, the Czech Foreign Ministry has been actively registering Czech citizens in the country, with 181 individuals currently in the Drozd travel system. Simultaneously, a working group within the ministry is contemplating the possibility of dispatching another repatriation flight to Israel, given the recent activities of the Palestinian Hamas movement. This decision, however, has not been finalized, and it is being carefully assessed by the working group.

A noteworthy development has been the successful repatriation of 34 Czech citizens who arrived in Prague aboard a government special flight. The individuals repatriated were primarily those who had proactively contacted the Czech embassy in Tel Aviv. The flight was efficiently filled, including several families with children, highlighting the urgency and importance of such repatriation efforts.

For other Czech citizens seeking repatriation, the diplomatic chief, Jakub Lipavský, advised reaching out to the embassy, the ministry, or utilizing standard consular channels. He also encouraged registration in the Drozd system, emphasizing that the Foreign Ministry is actively working to compile lists and assess the situation. Any decision regarding additional repatriation flights will rely on the recommendations of the working group.

A notable commitment to citizen evacuation was demonstrated by Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný, who is currently on a business mission to Uzbekistan aboard one of the government planes. Despite his initial return schedule for Friday, he expressed readiness to cut short his trip and promptly return to Prague if required to make the plane available for repatriation efforts.

Amidst the complex issue of repatriating children allegedly taken to the Gaza Strip by the former husband of an abused woman, Lipavský acknowledged the absence of realistic legal means for the Czech state to achieve their return. The situation in Gaza, under the control of a terrorist movement, presents significant obstacles to any repatriation efforts. The Foreign Ministry is actively coordinating the case through its embassies in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Tel Aviv, and Ramallah.

During his visit to Israel, Lipavský held important meetings with key Israeli figures, including Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and President Yitzhak Herzog. In his discussions with Cohen, Lipavský reiterated the Czech Republic’s offer of assistance and stands ready to respond to any potential formal request from the Israeli side, which he believes may fall under the Ministry of Defence’s jurisdiction.

The recent attacks by the Palestinian Hamas movement on Israel have resulted in a casualty count of 1,200, as reported by Israeli public broadcaster Kan. These attacks have prompted deep concern and condemnation from Lipavský, who described them as “barbaric.” He reiterated the Czech Republic’s full support for Israel’s right to self-defense while emphasizing that this support does not deny the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people but underscores the Czech Republic’s stance that Hamas does not represent them. The ongoing crisis in the region continues to demand careful diplomatic attention and international cooperation.

Article by Prague Forum